New York public health officials have issued a warning to parents in the city that the rare respiratory virus EV-D68 that is affecting hundreds of children in other states in the country has already made its way into New York. State officials say that parents must be "extra vigilant" and be on the look out for the signs and symptoms of this highly contagious virus.
At the moment, there is no specific treatment that is being used against the respiratory illness and there are no vaccines it can be used against it. Previous documented cases in other states have resulted in hospitalization for many children and even the requirement of intensive care for some. This virus acts very much like the common cold and can be contracted through surface contamination or being in close contact with someone who has been infected. The symptoms are also similar to that of the common cold and include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and a body aches.
Acting State health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker released a statement saying, "It is important that we follow common sense rules to prevent the spread of this virus, as we do for flu and other contagious illnesses." Dr. Zucker also said that the virus is easily caught by infants and children due to their playful nature, and their tendency to touch everything that is within reach, but it can also target adults with weak immune systems.
The New York Department of Health is calling on people in the city to practice frequent hand washing and to avoid touching their noses, eyes, or mouths, as well as to refrain from sharing cups or utensils with people who appear to be sick. Prior to the cases in New York, the centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that the virus has been positively identified in Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky.