VANCOUVER — A child has been diagnosed with Enterovirus D68 according to Dr. Danuta Skowronski with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, bringing the patient count in the province at nine.
The patient is a child between the ages of five and nine, in the Lower Mainland, she says.
The diagnosis was confirmed yesterday. The child is showing no signs of paralysis, according to Skowronski.
READ MORE: B.C. says two patients with Enterovirus D68 show signs of paralysis
She says despite this newest case, B.C. has not seen spikes in severe respiratory illness that the other provinces, as well as states in America have experienced. “Cases in B.C. are sporadic,” she says.
Doctors are still learning about this variant of the virus, says Skowronski.
READ MORE: What you need to know about Enterovirus D68
To prevent the illness, the CDC has the following tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds;
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or utensils with people who are sick;
- Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick; and ·
- Stay at home from work or school when sick.
They also warn parents to seek medical care for their children immediately, if they start having trouble breathing or other respiratory problems.
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