How close to home is the Enterovirus?

By Mark Hodgins

BELLEVILLE – A virus potentially dangerous to children is making its way around North America. Has it reached our backyard?

Enterovirus D68 began spreading in the United States, but there are now confirmed cases in B.C. and Alberta.

The symptoms of EV-D68 are similar to those of the common cold – runny nose, sneezing, cough, aches and pains. However, the trademark of the virus is that it will attack the respiratory system. Wheezing and shortness of breath are signs that a child may have EV-D68.

While adults can get the virus, it is much more of a danger to children.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, those most susceptible are younger children, especially those with a history of asthma. In the vast majority of children, however, the virus will not progress to a dangerous point. More information from the CDC is available here.

QNetNews is looking into whether there is any indication that the enterovirus has reached the Belleville area.