ENTEROVIRUS 68 REPORTED IN WIRT AND WOOD COUNTY - WV Has Four Cases Verified

(09/24/2014)
Health officials have confirmed four cases of enterovirus (EV-D68) in West Virginia.

According to the WV Department of Health and Human Resources, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the cases on Sept. 22 in Wood, Wirt and Greenbrier counties.

Of the 32 specimen samples, gathered from Calhoun, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, Raleigh, Wirt, and Wood counties, four of them came back positive.

Enterovirus has been found in 22 states and about 160 people have the virus.

The virus causes respiratory illnesses.

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and body and muscles aches.

There are no specific treatments for people with the respiratory illness caused by the virus.

For those experiencing mild symptoms, over the counter medicine will work, but for those who develop severe symptoms hospitalization and intensive treatment is needed.

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are more at risk, including those with asthma.

Enterovirus 68 causes respiratory illnesses and can be found in respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Those with asthma or a history of wheezing may experience difficulty breathing.