Enterovirus surfacing again in BC

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A warning for parents that a serious respiratory illness is back in BC.

The BC Centre for Disease Control says eight children across the province have been diagnosed with the Enterovirus since mid-August — the first cases in almost two years.

Dr. Danuta Skowronski says six of those diagnosed with the infection are under the age of six. “And that may reflect from immunity in the population from that outbreak in 2014, of course, the very young like those under two-years of age wouldn’t have benefited from that because they wouldn’t have been born yet.”

The agency is reminding people to wash their hands and staying home when ill, to protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses that typically circulate at this time of year. “The numbers are low so far but we can expect more infections to occur through the fall and early winter period,” she explains. “That is when EV-D68 and other more common cold viruses tend to circulate.”

Skowronski adds anyone having trouble breathing, especially those with underlying health problems, should see a doctor right away. Three people died from Enterovirus in BC two years ago.

The recent cases of the virus are unrelated to each other and were identified in different regions of the province. “This is the time of year when we see respiratory viruses that cause colds and coughs,” says Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “This year we’re seeing EV-D68 again as well, and while most affected people will have only mild illness the symptoms, for those with asthma it can be more serious. Prompt medical care is important for those who experience difficulty breathing.”

Unlike influenza, for which there is a vaccine available later in the fall when influenza season hits, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for cold viruses or Enterovirus.

Recommendations to reduce risk from seasonal respiratory viruses

*Wash hands frequently with plain soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

*Stay at home if ill with new respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat or fever

*Cough into elbow sleeve rather than hands

*Avoid sharing cups and utensils

*Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

*Get the influenza vaccine when available in November to prevent influenza illness

*Seek prompt medical care if experiencing difficulty breathing, particularly if there is a history of asthma or other lung condition

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today