Serious Respiratory Virus (Enterovirus D68)

This is a rare and serious virus that is spreading nationwide and there are now confirmed cases in New York. It has been responsible for emergency room visits and hospitalizations of children. The most vulnerable are children under five & those with underlying respiratory problems, such as asthma.

The virus can be found in saliva and nasal mucus. It is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by coughing, sneezing, touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, body aches and may cause wheezing, as well as difficulty breathing. 

To read Facts about Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) for Day Care Providers, click below

http://www.ongov.net/health/documents/EVD68DayCare.pdf

To read Facts about Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) for Parents and Caregivers, click below

http://www.ongov.net/health/documents/EVD68ParentsCareGivers.pdf

To read Facts about Enterovirus D68 for the general Public, click below

http://www.ongov.net/health/documents/EVD68General.pdf

To prevent the spread of infection, use the same precautions you would use to prevent the spread of the flu.

To read seasonal influenza information for child care providers, click here

In order to protect the health and safety of children in child care, it is important for all staff caring for children to be completely familiar with the program's health & infection control regulations, and the program's policy and procedures related to (share this with your child care provider):

• Exclusion Criteria
• Blue Cards - Emergency contact information & permission to obtain medical care if necessary
• Conducting Daily Health Checks
• Posting of Flu informationn - Flu Guide for Parents   
• Caring for mildly ill children & children that develop  symptoms of illness while in care
• Awareness of signs & symptoms of communicable diseases
• Informing parents about cases of contagious illnesses that occurred to children attending the program
• All children with Asthma must have Asthma Action Plans
• Westchester County Department of Health Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements

And most importantly, Infection control policy & procedures:

• Hand Washing
• Cleaning & Sanitizing
• Diapering
• Safety precautions related to blood and body fluids
• Glove use

To read more information about enterovirus EV-D68 click the links below:

http://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2014/2014-09-12_ev-d68_confirmed.htm