The Buffalo Public School District has issued letters to parents offering information about a new respiratory virus that is affecting some children in the Buffalo region. WBFO's Focus on Education reporter Eileen Buckley says the letter is not to alarm, but inform school parents.
"In a nutshell, this is a respiratory viruses that is uncommon, although it is a part of a common family of virus," said Dr. Steven Lana, Medical Director for the Buffalo Public School District. Dr. Lana has been keeping a close watch on the information provided by the Center for Disease Control. This respiratory virus, known as D-68, is now effecting some children in the Buffalo region. And as city school students compete their first full-week of school Friday, Dr. Lana believes its important to arm parents with information about symptoms and how the spread of the virus can be prevented.
"There's no vaccine. There's no specific treatment. From what we know thus far, most individuals who get it are likely to have a mild cold like illness," said Dr. Lana.
Dr. Lana said the best advise is similar to an outbreak of the flu; wash hands, avoid touching eyes, nose mouth and disinfect surfaces and commonly used items. The virus seems to mainly effect elementary age students. But at this time, Buffalo schools have not indicated any increase of absenteeism.
The following is the information city school parents received:
Information for Buffalo Public School Parents & Staff about Enterovirus (EV) - D68
Recently, you may have been informed about a virus known as D68 possibly infecting children in Western New York. The following information is summarized from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is intended to provide basic information about the illness. This information has been reviewed by Buffalo Public Schools Medical Director Dr. Steven J. Lana. As always, should you have specific questions or believe your child may be ill, please see your health care provider.
Symptoms EV-D68 has been reported to cause mild to severe respiratory illness. The full spectrum of EV-D68 illness is not well-defined.
Transmission EV-D68 is not frequently identified so it is less studied and the ways it spreads are not as well- understood as other enteroviruses. EV-D68 causes respiratory illness and the virus can be found in respiratory secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. The virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces.
Treatment There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections. Many infections will be mild and self-limited requiring only treatment of the symptoms. Some people with severe respiratory illness caused by EV- D68 may need to be hospitalized and receive intensive supportive therapy. No antiviral medications are currently available for treating of EV-D68 infections. Some illnesses can be severe enough to require hospitalization. If you are concerned about your symptoms you should contact your health care provider.
Prevention There are no vaccines for preventing EV-D68 infections. You can help protect yourself and your child from respiratory illnesses by following these steps: • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands • Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick