HEALTH NEWS

Enterovirus EV-D68 spreads to New York

Bellmore-Merrick school districts share state, county prevention tips

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More than a dozen children across New York state have contracted enterovirus EV-D68, a potentially deadly virus that causes severe inflammation of the respiratory tract, according to state Department of Health officials.

Among those who recently contracted the illness was a Town of North Hempstead child, who was hospitalized before being sent home to recover, Nassau County officials confirmed on Sept. 17. Nearly 600 people have contracted the virus in 43 states nationwide. On Oct. 6, a New Jersey 4-year-old, Eli Waller, died in his sleep, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State and county health officials recently sent advisories to school districts across Nassau County, including Bellmore-Merrick. The advisories, which were shared with parents in Bellmore and North Bellmore, included tips for keeping children safe. The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and the Merrick, North Bellmore and North Merrick school districts also posted them on their websites.

There are more than 100 forms of the enterovirus. EV-D68 is rare, according to state officials. In addition to respiratory issues, the virus can cause febrile rashes and neurologic illnesses, such as aseptic meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

The enterovirus is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Most infected people have mild symptoms or none at all, but an infection can turn serious, particularly among young children with asthma.

Dr. Howard Zucker, the acting state health commissioner, said that because there is no treatment or vaccination against the virus, parents’ best defense in preventing their children from contracting it is to practice proper hygiene. “It is important that we follow common-sense rules to prevent the spread of this virus, as we do for flu and other contagious illnesses,” Zucker said.

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