As of this week 40 states across the U.S. have reported cases of Enterovirus 68 (EV-D68), including Wyoming with two cases. One of the cases occurred in Campbell County and the other in Park County.
While more cases are expected to pop up in the coming days, many Wyoming hospitals are already on the watch for this virus.
“Whenever there is an outbreak or a new virus we are always notified by the CDC, Wyoming Department of Health or by bordering states. With communication and constant updates we can start to see the spread of a virus before it becomes local and then we can try and stay ahead of it,” said Lisa Roben, a viral specialist at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.
The symptoms of EV-D68 are similar to those of a common cold. Fever, running noise, sneezing, body aches and coughing, however they can get more extreme, like wheezing and difficulty breathing. Usually found in young children to teenagers, this respiratory illness is believed to infect them more heavily because they do not have immunity from previous illnesses. It is also believed that kids with asthma or compromised respiratory systems are at higher risk for this virus.
With bordering states like Colorado and Montana dealing with EV-D68 as well, people are encouraged to take preventative measures in order to decrease their chance of getting sick.
“We encourage everyone to take steps to keep themselves healthy especially during the fall and winter seasons. Doing the simple things like washing your hands frequently, coughing into your elbow, not touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and to get plenty of sleep,” said Nurse Jackie Daniels of Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Enteroviruses usually spread during the summer and fall months as well as the typical common cold and other illnesses. As the numbers of the infected continue to rise in the U.S. the focus on preventive measures also increases.
Mark Elmore, a doctor at Campbell County Health said, that preventative measures are the best way to fight something like EV-D68.
“Whenever we start to see people getting sick we try to keep people aware of the situation and ask them to do what they can to keep themselves and others healthy. It’s the small things that matter and this may be a cliché but prevention is really the best weapon against any disease or virus”.
