“The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) has not received any reports of cases of Enterovirus D68 locally. The OCHD has been monitoring the national situation and staying informed of any new developments,” stated Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. He continued, “The Health Department has excellent relationships with our medical community which includes the four area hospitals, the Federally Qualified Health Centers and area pediatric offices and are confident that if any cases of Enterovirus D68 are suspected, we will be able to address and handle the situation immediately and effectively.”

Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, said,” Enteroviruses are very common viruses; there are more than 100 types and very common in the summer and fall. It is estimated by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) that an estimated 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur in the United States each year. These viruses can cause respiratory illness which we are currently seeing in the Midwest. Most infected people have NO symptoms or only mild symptoms, although some infections can be serious. Infants, children and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become sick. Regenye added, “The virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches surfaces.”

Regenye continued, “Although there is no specific treatment for Enteroviruses D68 nor is there a vaccine for preventing becoming infected with this virus, you can help protect yourself from this and other respiratory illnesses by following these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze or change diapers.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw away the tissue or cough or sneeze in your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are ill.
• If you are sick, stay home.
• Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Wipe common household/workplace surfaces with disinfectants whose labels report virus-killing properties.

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