REGINA – 13 cases of enterovirus D-68 have been reported in Saskatchewan.
The province revealed Thursday that two patients tested positive for the virus in August and 11 so far in September.
The virus is much like a cold, but targets the lower part of the respiratory system. As a result, children with respiratory conditions are at a greater risk of developing a more severe infection.
For those children symptoms can include rapid breathing, non-stop coughing, and wheezing along with regular cold symptoms.
Over the past few weeks the virus has popped up in Ontario, B.C. and Alberta.
Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab says the cases in Saskatchewan have been sporadic and not concentrated in one region.
“Overall there aren’t any significant concerns,” Shahab said. “We have to remember that at the end of the day enterovirus D-68 sounds scary, but for most kids it’s just another cold.”
Read more: Enterovirus – everything parents need to know about symptoms, treatment
The virus spreads much like any other cold. Good hand washing habits are the best way to protect yourself and your children.
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