No Cases of Enterovirus Reported in New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that no outbreaks of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) have been reported to the Department. Several outbreaks of respiratory illness impacting children have been reported in ten states. EV-D68 is the suspected cause of some of those outbreaks.
EV-D68 is not a mystery illness. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections each year in the United States. EV-D68, like other enteroviruses, appears to spread through close contact with infected people. There are no specific medicines to treat EV-D68 infections.
Infections can cause relatively mild illness that does not require hospitalization, to severe illness that may require intensive care in the hospital.
The best ways to reduce the risk of getting infected include:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
- As with other infections, children with cold-like symptoms who have trouble breathing or otherwise seem to be very sick should seek medical care immediately.
Individual cases of enteroviruses (suspected or confirmed) are not reportable to the New Mexico Department of Health; the cases are not reportable in the United States. However, healthcare professionals and others in New Mexico are required to report possible outbreaks of infectious diseases to the New Mexico Department of Health, and they are investigated to identify the cause.
See Also
September 11, 2014 - NMDOH Working with CDC to Test for Enterovirus D68
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Kenny Vigil at 505-841-5871 (Office) or 505-470-2290 (Mobile) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.