Enterovirus D68-Case Confirmed In Calhoun City

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed a new Enterovirus D68- case in Calhoun City. The EV-D68 has been recently identified for potentially causing severe respiratory illnesses and the hospitalization of young children.

Enteroviruses are very common in the United States, causing around 10-15 million infections a year.

Symptoms of EV-D68 are very similar to the common cold and include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, body and muscle aches. Most cases of EV-D68 are mild, however, children (newborns through teenagers) are more likely to become seriously ill, and those with asthma and underlying health conditions face a greater chance of undergoing complications from the virus.

Experts say that there is no vaccine, but there are preventative measures that can be taken. The basic preventative measures include: staying home when you are ill and consult your healthcare provider, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially if there is someone ill in your home.

The MSDH is working with healthcare providers to provide further guidance on testing, prevention, and infection control in Mississippi.