Kentucky: EV 68, EV-D68, confirmed in the state

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.courier-journal.com/stor...rus-outbreak-hits-kentucky-children/15301693/

Enterovirus outbreak hits Kentucky children
Chris Kenning, ckenning@courier-journal.com 6:33 p.m. EDT September 8, 2014

An outbreak of a respiratory virus that has hospitalized children in a handful of states has hit Kentucky, health officials said Monday.

Kraig Humbaugh, deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Public Health, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently confirmed that five of 10 cases it tested from Kentucky were enterovirus D68 ? which is fueling a rise in respiratory illness.

...In Kentucky, the spike in respiratory illnesses was first noticed in the central part of the state several weeks ago. But it is now being reported elsewhere, including in Louisville. D68 has not been confirmed in Louisville...

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Kentucky: EV 68, EV-D68, confirmed in the state

Enterovirus suspected of infecting NKU staff member

Updated: Fri 6:19 PM, Sep 12, 2014
By: Mark Barber-

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (WKYT) - It typically affects children but the enterovirus is now suspected of making an adult sick at Northern Kentucky University.

The school is warning students that a staff member may be infected with the virus.

"Would you be surprised if we saw more of this in Kentucky universities?? asked WKYT?s Mark Barber. UK doctor Sean McTigue said, ?Not at all.?
McTigue says we could see the enterovirus spread to campuses even closer to home.
...
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Case-of-Enterovirus-found-on-NKU-campus--274893981.html

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Learn about the Enterovirus D-68

A message from
NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns

Dear Colleagues:

Earlier today, I learned that an NKU staff member is suspected of having contracted the Enterovirus D-68. Our colleague exhibited symptoms consistent with this common virus on Monday, and our colleague has not returned to campus since visiting a doctor that day.

Like a common cold, symptoms of Enterovirus D-68 include fever, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. In severe cases, the virus can cause wheezing and other breathing problems. Children with asthma and other previously diagnosed breathing conditions are more likely to develop severe cases.


Based on recommendations from our on-campus health professionals, as well as the Northern Kentucky Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, I want to remind you of the simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

If you feel sick or are exhibiting symptoms, please call the NKU Office of Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness at (859) 572-5650, or contact your healthcare provider.
For more information about Enterovirus D-68, visit:

Northern Kentucky Health Department: http://www.nkyhealth.org/Fact-Sheets/enterovirus.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html?s_cid=cdc_homepage_whatsnew_001

http://www.nku.edu/news/_140911health.html