First Case of Enterovirus Confirmed in Mississippi

(PRESS RELEASE) JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms the first Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) case in a Mississippi resident. The case was a Hancock County child who was hospitalized and has since recovered.

Enteroviruses are very common, causing up to 10-15 million infections in the United States each year. EV-D68 is one type of enterovirus that has recently been identified as sometimes causing severe respiratory illnesses and hospitalization in children.

Symptoms of EV-D68 are very similar to the common cold, and include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.  While most cases of illness are likely mild, children (newborns through teenagers) are most likely to become seriously ill, and those with asthma and other underlying health conditions have a greater chance of complications from the virus.

“We have been working with healthcare providers to give guidance on testing, prevention, and infection control. While there is no vaccine, there are some basic things you can do to prevent infection from EV-D68, as well as other viral illnesses such as flu,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

Basic preventive measures include the following:

• Stay home (or keep children home) when ill and consult your healthcare provider.
• Wash hands frequently 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 ill people.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

 For more information, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/EV.