Mysterious infections in children in the US

Unusual virus EV-D68 causes hundreds of serious infections

09/09/2014

In the United States, noticeably many children have been hospitalized for mysterious viral infections in recent weeks. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drastic increases in hospital admissions were reported, particularly from Illinois and Missouri. In the subsequent investigations is that „Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in 19 out of 22 samples from Missouri and in 11 out of 14 samples from Chicago“ has been established, according to the CDC communication.

According to media reports, twelve states have asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for their increased viral infections. Also in Iowa and Colorado, infections with EV-D68 have been reported in children who had to be hospitalized for severe respiratory disease. The unusually high number of hospital admissions may be „only the tip of the iceberg“, quotes the news channel „CNN“ the CDC director Mark Pallansch.

EV-D68 infections unusual, but not new
The Medical Director of Infection Control at Children's Hospital Colorado, dr. Christine Nyquist, told opposite „CNN“, that in about 75 percent of the samples sent to the CDC, the Enterovirus D68 was detected. The emergency department at the Colorado Children's Hospital reported a significant increase in the number of children admitted with severe respiratory infections compared to the same period last year. Although the infections with the enterovirus D68 are unusual, but not new. The virus was first identified in the 1960s, but since then less than 100 cases have been reported, the statement by „CNN“. Now apparently hundreds of children are suffering within a relatively short time. However, so far there are no official figures on the infections.

No special treatment possible
„Enteroviruses are associated with various clinical symptoms including mild respiratory problems, fever, rash, and neurological conditions such as aseptic meningitis and encephalitis“, Explains the US Department of Health in its latest press release The special genus EV-D68 causes, according to the CDC „but primarily respiratory diseases.“ Coughing and respiratory distress are therefore the guiding symptoms of the current wave of infection, although the entire spectrum of the disease according to the authorities so far remains unclear. Above all, the experts are concerned about the frequent occurrence of infections with severe respiratory ailments, which necessitate hospitalization. Especially since no special treatment for infections with EV-D68 is known and the clinical care can only develop a supporting effect on healing. Also, there is no vaccine against the EV-D68 infections, which limits the possibilities of prevention.

Prevent infections
To prevent infections with EV-D68, the CDC recommend special hygiene measures. Parents should be, for example „Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers“, recommends the US Department of Health. „Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands“ and „Avoid kisses, hugs and sharing cups or cutlery with people who are sick“, so continue the CDC message. In addition, the experts advise „frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and toys regularly disinfect, especially if someone is sick.“

Children with asthma are particularly at risk
According to the CDC, the average age of Illinois patients studied so far has been four years, and more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those affected have previously had asthma or whooping cough. The situation was similar with ill children in Illinois. They were on average five years old and 73 percent suffered from asthma or whooping cough as a pre-existing disease, reports the US Department of Health. For the parents of children with asthma or whooping cough is therefore currently required increased attention to increasing respiratory problems of their children. Why the children with corresponding pre-existing conditions are particularly often affected by the current viral infections, remains so far unclear. (Fp)