Positive cases of Enterovirus D68 confirmed in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The Alabama Department of Public Health says test results show positive cases of Enterovirus D68 in the state.

Four out of six specimens from Mobile County that were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested positive for EV-D68. One of the specimens was positive for Coxsackievirus B3 and the remaining one was negative.

The ADPH is investigating clusters of children suspected of having the virus. Last week, ADPH offcials said the clusters were in Mobile and north Alabama.

According to ADPH, the symptoms of enteroviruses include mild respiratory, fever, rash and neurologic illness. EV-D68 has more severe respiratory symptoms. There is no vaccine, and prevention is very important.

To prevent the virus people need to:

• Wash their hands frequently
• Cover their cough
• Keep children home if ill
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with sick people
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs

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