AUSD Staff and Families,
As you may have heard on the news, there have been two confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68 in Alameda County. While there are no confirmed cases of Albany staff or students, the Alameda Public Health Department anticipates more cases to be identified in Alameda County in the coming weeks.
Overview
Overall, an estimated 10-15 million enterovirus infections occur in the U.S. each year. Most occur seasonally during the summer and fall. There are over 100 types of enteroviruses; other common enterovirus infections include Hand Foot Mouth disease and viral meningitis.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of these types of enterovirus which was first detected in 1962 in California. It is not a new disease, but it is not frequently seen circulating in the community. Outbreaks of enterovirus are similar to outbreaks of other illnesses such as cold and flu, but EV-D68 is less common.
Enterovirus-D68 is a virus that causes respiratory illness and is circulating in Northern California. The Public Health Department is working with local hospitals to identify and conduct testing on children hospitalized with serious respiratory infections.
Enterovirus-D68 causes symptoms that are similar to those of a cold or flu, such as cough, sneezing, runny nose, body aches, or fever, but in this outbreak, many children do NOT have a fever.
Enterovirus-D68 is thought to spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or contaminates a surface with their respiratory secretions. Enteroviruses in general can also be spread in the stool.
The single most important prevention strategy is to encourage hand washing. Hand hygiene with soap and water is preferred since alcohol-based hand sanitizers have limited effectiveness against enteroviruses.
Who is at risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill, because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses.
Adults can get infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.
The best way to prevent transmission of enteroviruses is to:
· 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.
Additional Resources:
CDC website
Full ACPHD Health Advisory
CDC Enterovirus D68 Page
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Britt Marett; District Nurse [email protected] or 558-3750, ext. 7802
Sincerely,
Marsha Brown, Director III – Student Services
Britt Marett, District Nurse
As you may have heard on the news, there have been two confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68 in Alameda County. While there are no confirmed cases of Albany staff or students, the Alameda Public Health Department anticipates more cases to be identified in Alameda County in the coming weeks.
Overview
Overall, an estimated 10-15 million enterovirus infections occur in the U.S. each year. Most occur seasonally during the summer and fall. There are over 100 types of enteroviruses; other common enterovirus infections include Hand Foot Mouth disease and viral meningitis.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of these types of enterovirus which was first detected in 1962 in California. It is not a new disease, but it is not frequently seen circulating in the community. Outbreaks of enterovirus are similar to outbreaks of other illnesses such as cold and flu, but EV-D68 is less common.
Enterovirus-D68 is a virus that causes respiratory illness and is circulating in Northern California. The Public Health Department is working with local hospitals to identify and conduct testing on children hospitalized with serious respiratory infections.
Enterovirus-D68 causes symptoms that are similar to those of a cold or flu, such as cough, sneezing, runny nose, body aches, or fever, but in this outbreak, many children do NOT have a fever.
Enterovirus-D68 is thought to spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or contaminates a surface with their respiratory secretions. Enteroviruses in general can also be spread in the stool.
The single most important prevention strategy is to encourage hand washing. Hand hygiene with soap and water is preferred since alcohol-based hand sanitizers have limited effectiveness against enteroviruses.
Who is at risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill, because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses.
Adults can get infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.
The best way to prevent transmission of enteroviruses is to:
· 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.
Additional Resources:
CDC website
Full ACPHD Health Advisory
CDC Enterovirus D68 Page
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Britt Marett; District Nurse [email protected] or 558-3750, ext. 7802
Sincerely,
Marsha Brown, Director III – Student Services
Britt Marett, District Nurse