Health officials: 6 children in NC have enterovirus

NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that the state has joined 27 others with cases of enterovirus D68.

Officials said six patients under the age of 10 tested positive for the respiratory illness. The DHHS release said the cases are in different areas across the state but did not specify where, citing patient privacy.

Eyewitness News checked with the Mecklenburg County Health Department which said it isn't aware of any cases within the county. Several other departments contacted have yet to respond.

"DHHS' Division of Public Health has been monitoring this situation very closely," said Dr. Zack Moore, a pediatrician and epidemiologist with the Division of Public Health. "The confirmed cases were located in different parts of the state, so it is important for everyone to take necessary actions to protect yourself from EV-D68 and other respiratory viruses. There are no vaccines and no specific treatments for EV-D68, so prevention is the best option."

“Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools would follow any directive as set by the Mecklenburg County Health Department as to precautionary measures taken, the school district said in a statement Tuesday. “At this point I have not heard that any of the NC cases are in Mecklenburg County thus far. Meanwhile the school district is prepared to send letters home to parents explaining precautionary measures as set forth by the health department.”

Health officials are recommending that that people take the following actions to protect themselves from infection with EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses:

1. Wash hands vigorously and often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
4. Frequently disinfect touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Since people with asthma are at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses, health officials are reminding everyone with asthma to take their medications as prescribed and make sure their asthma is under good control.

Since mid-August, EV-D68 has been linked to clusters of respiratory illness in 27 other states, including some illnesses that have been severe.

WSOC