Respiratory illnesses are very common this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports a serious increase of a virus known as Enterovirus 68 or EV D68.
General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital has not identified any Enterovirus cases on Fort Leonard Wood, although there have been some cases in Missouri.
As of Sept. 27, the CDC reported 277 cases across the United States.
Since finding out about these first cases, the GLWACH staff has aggressively reviewed CDC guidance, while establishing processes to monitor, track, treat and establish protocols for testing any suspected cases.
The virus' initial symptoms present like a normal cold. Infants, children and teenagers seem to develop more serious symptoms with the virus -- especially those with asthma. Health-care professionals highly recommend that they regularly take all prescribed medication for asthma control and receive their influenza vaccination.
The CDC is actively investigating some patients in Colorado who have unexplained weakness in their arms and/or legs. Some of these patients have also tested positive for the Enterovirus. Currently, there is no known connection between the virus and these new symptoms.
There is no vaccine to prevent the spread of the Enterovirus, so preventive precautions are of the upmost importance.
Hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette are critical. This virus, like all respiratory viruses, is routinely spread through person-to-person contact. Proper and regular hand washing is the number-one way to prevent spreading this illness.
Coughing and sneezing creates small droplets that can float in the air for 3 to 6 feet, so it is very important to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. You can cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or by using the bend of your arm.
Additionally, frequent cleaning of shared surfaces like tables, counters, phones, keyboards, etc. will also help prevent the spread.
Parents with children having moderate flu-like symptoms should call for an appointment and bring their child in to be seen by their primary care provider. If children develop any unexplained leg or arm weakness they should also contact their primary care provider. Children with severe symptoms (respiratory or limb weakness) should be seen immediately by going to the emergency room or calling 911.
GLWACH works closely with the State and Pulaski County Health Departments to monitor all communicable and reportable diseases. This partnership allows for immediate communication and up-to-date information to assist in the prevention and treatment of a new diseases or disease outbreaks.
The post hospital will update the current guidance and recommendations, based on the latest CDC guidance. Our beneficiaries play a major role in the prevention and elimination of the spread of diseases, so our goal is to always provide the most up-to-date information.
(Editor's note: Bruce Russell is a public health administrative officer at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital)
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