Health officials confirm dozens of new cases of enterovirus in Alberta

Alberta Health Services says between July 1^st and October 10^th, 93 patients have tested positive for the enterovirus D-68.

Breakdown by region:

So far only two cases in Alberta involve neurological symptoms involving weakness in the arms, legs or face. 

Enterovirus is relatively common but this year the D-68 strain has been causing serious illness among children across North America.

There’s no vaccine available for the illness.

AHS provides the following advice for protecting you and your family:

• Using soap and warm water, wash your hands thoroughly and often, including after coughing, sneezing, using tissues or the washroom, and before eating or preparing foods. Alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer can also be helpful if hands are not visibly soiled.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, always cough or sneeze into your arm, not into your hands. Throw away tissues after wiping your nose or covering a cough and wash your hand.
• Make a point of keeping hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth
• If you have symptoms of illness, including fever, cough, runny nose or sneezing, stay home from work, school, daycare, or any social function. Please also refrain from visiting family, friends or loved ones in hospitals, care facilities or seniors lodges, until you have fully recovered.
• Keep household surfaces clean, regularly using a household cleaner (follow directions on the product label)