To the HVS community: All faculty, staff and families,
EV-D68 is one of more than 100 types of enteroviruses that cause 10 to 15 million infections annually in the United States, though EV-D68 is less common than other types. Between mid-August and September 12, 2014, there have been several cases of EV-D68 illness confirmed by the CDC. The NYS Health Department has a few confirmed cases of enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) on Long Island. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness in children and others. Children with asthma seem to be especially susceptible. The virus causes common cold symptoms, although it can cause severe respiratory illness, especially in children. Other more common respiratory viruses are also currently circulating, which are normal present time this year, including influenza. The symptoms of mild cases include: runny nose, sneezing, coughs, body aches, fever, rashes. and mouth blisters. It is often difficult to tell the difference between the common cold and EV-D68, as the symptoms are so similar. Parents should contact their family physician with concerns, if children have difficulty breathing or if symptoms become severe.
You can help protect yourself and the children from EV-D68 (and other viral infections) by:
- Frequently and thoroughly washing your wands, especially after changing diapers;
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Refraining from kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are ill;
- Disinfecting surfaces that are touched frequently, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
Please review this procedure with the children. We encourage all staff and families to help children to wash their hands frequently and to wash their own for prevention.
Very truly yours,
Gail Nolan, RN
HVS Medical Department
Diana DeVivio
HVS Superintendent/Principal