WATCH (above): The number of confirmed Enterovirus cases has jumped to 119 from 56 in the last week. But as Kylie Stanton found out, health officials hope the worst may be over.
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has confirmed there are now 119 cases of enterovirus D68 in B.C.
This number has doubled in a week from 56 cases.
In mid-October, a man between 20 and 25, died from the enterovirus. He had a history of severe asthma. This was the first death from the enterovirus in Canada.
Dr. Danuta Skowronski from the BCCDC said for most people, infection with enterovirus manifests as a common cold, and some adults may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and a cough.
To avoid infection, you’re advised to wash your hands frequently when coughing or sneezing. Also, avoid bringing your hands to your face, or touching your eyes, nose and mouth. These are all routes of entry for the virus to set up in the respiratory tract.
EV-D68 began spreading across North America a few months ago, with dozens of reported cases across Canada.
READ MORE: What you need to know about Enterovirus D68
In healthy adults, enterovirus would not lead to any serious concerns, but young kids are the most vulnerable, especially if they have additional respiratory issues.
Enterovirus symptoms are similar to the common cold, however, the strain in the U.S. has caused wheezing, and trouble breathing. The virus is also believed to be responsible for the death of a first grade student in Arizona.
To prevent the illness, the Centre for Disease Control 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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