FGGAM News just received this news release from the New Mexico Department of Health:
Test Results Confirm a Case Enterovirus D68 in New Mexico
(Santa Fe) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a case of Enterovirus D68 in New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Health began working with the CDC earlier this month, after a child was hospitalized in Albuquerque with respiratory illness. The child has recovered.
The Department of Health has not been involved with shipping any other specimens to the CDC for testing. Individual cases of enterovirus are not reportable to the New Mexico Department of Health. However, healthcare professionals and others in New Mexico are required to report possible outbreaks of infectious diseases. No outbreaks of Enterovirus D68 have been reported to the New Mexico Department of Health.
New Mexico is one of 40 states and the District of Columbia with lab-confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68. Enteroviruses commonly circulate in summer and fall. Infections can cause relatively mild illness that does not require hospitalization, to severe illness that may require intensive care in the hospital.
“I strongly encourage New Mexicans to follow routine practices to prevent illness, including covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing,” said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward, MPH.
Other ways to reduce the risk of getting infected include:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers
- 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
- As with other infections, children with cold-like symptoms who have trouble breathing or otherwise seem to be very sick should seek medical care immediately.
For more information about Enterovirus D68, visit nmhealth.org
