CDC Warns of Fast-Spreading Enterovirus Afflicting Children
The strain of the virus in these current cases is not new, Schuchat says, and is the same as earlier EV-68 cases in the United States and in other countries. It’s unclear why it’s making people sicker and how it’s spreading, but respiratory viruses spread very easily. Cold season typically peaks in September when children return to school, and the enterovirus cases may be following a similar pattern.
Parents shouldn’t worry about runny noses and sniffles, Schuchat says, but act quickly if their child has difficulty breathing. “This can be a scary thing to hear about for parents,” Schuchat says. “If your child is having difficulty breathing you want to get medical attention.”
And parents of children with asthma should make extra-sure that the children are taking medications and the asthma is well controlled, she adds.
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