5 new cases of Enterovirus D68 confirmed in NJ
The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed five new cases of Enterovirus D68 today.
Officials say there are two in Morris County, one in Camden County, one in Middlesex County, and one in Mercer County, which is unrelated to the death of preschooler Eli Weller.
New Jersey now has 14 confirmed cases, and officials say they are awaiting additional specimen tests from the CDC.
There are hundreds of different Enteroviruses - D68 is one strain. It is not new, but it typically doesn't spread this widely.
Now D68 is confirmed in almost every state. Some cases are mild, while others are severe.
Parents don't need to panic, but they should be aware.
In Pennsylvania, doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia continue to investigate if Enterovirus D68 has sparked sudden muscle weakness in five children, with changes in their spine. Those changes include inflammation in the gray matter, which controls movement.
It's possible an Enterovirus caused the problem. Tests have been sent to the CDC to determine if the children have the D68 strain.
Enterovirus D68 is the strain officials say claimed the life of 4-year-old Eli Waller of Hamilton Township, New Jersey. It's been linked to four other deaths, but other factors may have been involved.
There is no specific treatment for Enterovirus D68, but anyone with wheezing or difficulty breathing needs to go the hospital.
Anyone with sudden muscle weakness - including to the limbs and to the face - also needs to be seen right away.
Parents should encourage frequent hand washing. And all kids over 6-months-old should also get a flu shot. It won't protect against Enterovirus D68 but it will help prevent the flu, giving parents one less virus to worry about.
Other prevention tips include disinfecting common surfaces and keep sick kids home, away from others.
As for Enteroviruses, we typically see them in the summer and fall. The number of cases usually drops around late fall.
We are hoping that happens this year as well.
