The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced a confirmed case of Enterovirus D68 on September 23, 2014. The patient is a school aged child with a history of asthma who became ill in early September and has since been treated and released from an area hospital. Please see the attached DPH Fact Sheet about enterovirus D68.
Various enteroviruses and other respiratory infections may also circulate at this time of year. Enteroviruses cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, rash, and neurologic illnesses, such as aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. While most infections cause mild or no symptoms, some can be severe. The current outbreak of enterovirus D68 has been predominantly associated with respiratory disease and not nervous system infection.
Patients with asthma have been experiencing more severe symptoms, like they would with any respiratory infection. Clinicians should ensure that patients with asthma have an asthma action plan. Reinforce use of this plan and, including adherence to long term control medication. Encourage people with asthma who are experiencing an exacerbation to seek care early.
The advisory and fact sheet will be posted on the MDPH web site. You may also want to see CDC’s Enterovirus D68 website for more information.
