A respiratory virus is sending hundreds of children to the hospital in the Midwest and beyond. As more and more children are being rushed to the hospital with loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing, tests are revealing that the virus is a 75% confirmed EV-D68 cases (meaning there could be a possible regional outbreak). Children with asthma are at an increased risk.
The virus presents itself as a cold initially, with cough, fever, and possible rash, however with increasing symptoms of loss of breath, wheezing, and loss of consciousness, it quickly escalates to needing immediate medical attention. It has not seen to be fatal, however children with other respiratory illnesses such as asthma, often need intensive supportive therapy.
This is a little frightening for me, as i have chronic asthma. I hope they are able to get this illness under control, as there is not a vaccine currently available for it. It is affecting so many children and is expected to spread, i just hope they can control it and offer proper care and treatment.
Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/07/health/respiratory-virus-midwest/index.html?hpt=us_c2
This is dangerous because it starts as a cold and most people would just try to shake it off.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very scary thought for those with, and without asthma. Respritory diseases are always the worst, since they can be transferred just by breathing the same air as somebody who is sick.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very frightening but also a warning to those who may not give much thought to a simple cold to receive medical attention even if any slight symptoms occur. One can only hope that this illness will be prevented before all people living in North America are affected.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how viruses and things like this start. This is worrisome if so many people are being affected. WASH YOUR HANDS PEOPLE!
ReplyDelete-Kennedi Mayes