Rare Enterovirus Making Its Way to Massachusetts

Friday, September 19, 2014

Nicholas Handy, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Already confirmed in 18 states, the rare enterovirus that has been attacking the nation’s youth is creeping its way toward Massachusetts, and according to some, may already be here.

Enterovirus 68 – also known as EV-D68 – has been devastating the youth of the nation, especially those with asthma or other respiratory problems, causing public health officials, doctors, and families to remain on guard.

“It presents as a cold in most. People with lung disease, namely asthma, present with shortness of breath and wheezing,” said Dr. Thomas Kinane, a pediatric specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, speaking at a press conference on Thursday. “We are seeing a lot of patients with that right now, more than usual. So our suspicion is that we’re seeing the enterovirus.”

The virus has been known to cause mild to severe respiratory illness, most commonly occurring in children. Symptoms can range from fever, sneezing, coughs, and body and muscle aches to difficulty breathing and wheezing. There is currently no vaccine for the virus.

Is It Already Here?

While public health officials are ready for the virus and are anticipating that it may soon strike the Commonwealth, a few hospitals are reporting that it may already be here.

Both Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have reported that the virus may have shown up at their respective hospitals; they are currently investigating “highly likely” cases.

“It has hit surrounding states. We would not be surprised at all to see it in our state,” Dr. Lawrence C. Madoff, director of the state’s Epidemiology and Immunization Division, said of enterovirus 68, also known as EV-D68. “We are investigating a number of cases in Massachusetts. We don’t have any confirmed cases. … We may already have some in our state. We’re certainly monitoring that situation very closely.”

What to Do

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent catching the enterovirus is to do four things: wash your hands frequently and correctly; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing utensils with people who are sick; and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially if someone is sick.

While the disease certainly poses a threat – especially to younger people and those with asthma – state and local health officials are saying that there is a capacity to respond to this illness. If proper precautions are taken and if people immediately seek medical attention at the onset of symptoms, then people have nothing to worry about.

“It poses a threat — there’s no doubt,” said Derek Brindisi Director of Worcester’s Division of Public Health. “We have the capacity to respond to this like anything else.”

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