Enterovirus D68 in Children
Enterovirus D68 is a common virus that causes a fever, cough, and nasal congestion (upper respiratory infection).
What are the causes?
Enterovirus D68 spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The virus is present in the fluid of an infected person’s lungs (upper respiratory secretions).
When a sick person coughs or sneezes, particles get released into the air. Your child can get infected by breathing in those particles. The virus may also be on any surface where these particles land. Your child can get infected by touching that surface and then touching his or her nose or mouth.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- Children who have chronic lung conditions, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
- Children who have a weakened immune system (are immunocompromised).
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition range from mild to severe. Children with lung conditions, especially asthma, may have more severe symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing.
- Muscle aches.
- Cough.
- Wheezing.
- Trouble breathing.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms and a physical exam. Your child may also have a chest X-ray.
How is this treated?
There is no treatment or vaccine for this infection. Most children recover after resting at home for several days. Children with asthma may need to go to the hospital if they have wheezing or trouble breathing. Treatment in the hospital may include oxygen, fluids through an IV tube, and medicines for asthma control.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
- Have your child rest at home until symptoms go away. Do notallow your child to go to school while he or she has symptoms.
Wash your child’s hands and your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, have your child use hand sanitizer.
- Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine clear or pale yellow.
- If your child has asthma, ask your health care provider about a plan to increase your child’s asthma medicines (asthma action plan).
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your child has nausea or vomiting.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child’s symptoms last longer than 3 days.
Get help right away if:
- Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
- Your child develops wheezing.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
- Your child cannot keep fluids down.
