healthcareprosBismarck (CSi) The  North Dakota State Health Department reports that the first confirmed case of Enterovirus D-68 has been identified in a child from Stutsman County. 

The girl was hospitalized with a respiratory illness that causes difficulty breathing, cough and wheezing.  After hospitalization, she’s recovering at home. 

Parents,  should get their child medical attention if he or she has difficulty breathing.

The virus is most likely spread through coughs, sneezes or contact with surfaces contaminated with saliva or mucus.

State Health Department,epidemiologist, Jill Baber  says, Enteroviruses are not reportable to the agency, meaning, the number of cases being reported are not necessarily representative of the total cases of EV-D68 in North Dakota.

Protection against EV-D68 and other respiratory viruses is by frequently washing hands with soap and water, avoiding close contact with individuals with an illness, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

For more information, contact Jill Baber, at the State Health Department  at 701-328-2378.