Mrs. Tina Gerson, BASCS Middle School Nurse has shared the followed information for everyone. Every month the website will be updated with a Nurse Update from any one of our school nurses.

What Parents Need to Know about Enterovirus D68

Every year, millions of children in the United States catch enteroviruses that can cause coughing, sneezing, and fever. This year the predominate strain is enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68).

Infections with enteroviruses are usually common in the United States during Summer and late Fall. The CDC expects the number of cases to decrease and taper off with the onset of Winter weather.

Children are at Higher Risk for EV-D68

Infants and children are at higher risk than adults for getting infected and sick with enteroviruses  because they have not been exposed to these types of viruses before and do not yet have immunity (protection) built up to fight the disease. The virus is active in the environment for at least ½ hour.

Know the Signs of Symptoms of EV-D68

EV-D68 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.

• Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.
• Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Call your child’s Doctor if there is difficulty with breathing and are unable to control the symptoms.     If your child develops severe respiratory illness and/or has Asthma, hospitalization may be required.

Help Protect your Family from EV-D68

To help avoid catching and spreading EV-D68, parents and children should follow these basic steps:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Washing hands correctly is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy. Hand sanitizers are not effective against EV.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, use inside elbow not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as tabletops, desks, and doorknobs.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children out of school.

EV-D68 Treatment

There is no antiviral medication or enterovirus vaccine.  Supportive care is recommended.

If Your Child has Asthma

• Discuss and update your child’s Asthma Action Plan with the School Nurse and Doctor.
• Make sure your child takes his or her prescribed Asthma medications as directed.
• Make sure your child has access to Asthma medicine at all times.
• Get your child a flu vaccine, since respiratory infections can trigger an Asthma Attack.
• If your child develops new or worsening Asthma symptoms, follow the steps of his or her Asthma Action Plan. If symptoms do not go away, call your child’s Doctor right away.
• Make sure caregiver(s) and/or teacher(s) are aware of the child’s condition, and that they know how to help if the child experiences any symptoms related to Asthma.
• Call your child’s Doctor if he or she is having difficulty breathing, if you feel you are unable to control symptoms, or if the symptoms are getting worse.

Action Steps in Schools

Action steps are taking place in our schools following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.   This vigilant process includes proper sanitization practices involving decontamination utilizing approved cleaning agents and procedures. Additional measures have been recognized such as all staff training regarding universal precautions and use of personal body protection equipment.       The frequency of disinfection cleansing has been increased with follow up inspection performed.