EV-D68: Not yet confirmed in Southern Alberta

LETHBRIDGE – Cases of a common, but potentially dangerous virus continue to flare up across the province. A specific strain of Enterovirus has nearly 50 confirmed cases, the majority of them being in the Calgary area.

For most, the virus will act just like a common cold: un-treatable and uncomfortable, but generally not a severe illness. For those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses like asthma, the virus could cause serious problems.

“Any virus can exacerbate or make asthma worse,” says South Zone medical officer of health, Karin Goodison. “So what we want people to be aware of is just optimize your asthma treatment because symptoms can get severe.”

Though the name EV-D68 may be unfamiliar, health officials say preventative measures largely remain the same as they’ve always been. Keeping hands clean and away from the face, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and keeping household surfaces clean. Health officials say children are more susceptible to the virus because they haven’t been exposed to them yet and are often interacting in large groups at school. Crystal Quinton stresses the importance of staying germ free to all her children.

“Five kids, four boys and a girl. My oldest is seven, four and a half, three and a half, one and a half and this one is 4 months. I’m a little more on alert,” says Quinton. “My four and a half year old is prone to pneumonia so we watch a little more than some people.”

The latest numbers show that no cases of EV-D68 have been confirmed in Southern Alberta, but health officials believe it’s just a matter of time.

“We have not confirmed it yet in our zone,” says Goodison. “I do anticipate that we will be seeing it here because it’s spread across the rest of Alberta.”

Once it does come to the area, Crystal Quinton hopes other parents will take the steps necessary to keep it under control.

“Kid’s are sick? Keep them at home,” says Quinton. “That’s probably the biggest complaint parents have. Keep your kids home if they’re sick.”

For more information on the EV-D68 virus, visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/10418.asp