9 children treated for respiratory virus

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center said Thursday it has treated nine children with a dangerous respiratory virus.

Three of the six children it was treating Wednesday were discharged, and three more were hospitalized.

The children have contracted an enterovirus, which has more than 100 known strains. The hospital said it hasn’t confirmed which strain the children have without further testing, but the children’s symptoms are consistent with Enterovirus D68, also known as EV-D68, which is spreading nationwide. EIRMC’s original announcement of the enterovirus Wednesday likely signals EV-D68 is now in Idaho.

The hospitalized children were experiencing more serious enterovirus symptoms, the hospital said.

These symptoms may include the following:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Wheezing
Lethargy
Mild fever (sometimes no fever)
Runny nose, sneezing, cough
Skin rash
Body and muscle aches
Mouth blisters

EIRMC pediatric specialists are advising parents to closely monitor children who have been exposed to this virus or have mild symptoms, even though they might not appear to be sick.

The hospital said parents and caregivers should call their doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if a child is wheezing, has shortness of breath or has a feeling of “not getting enough air.”

In addition, the hospital said it is now restricting vistors. No visitors under 18 are allowed, unless they are the parent of a patient. In addition, people with respiratory or flu-like symptoms should avoid visiting. These restrictions will remain in effect until late March.

In an interview Tuesday, Jeff Deorr, an epidemiologist with Southeastern Idaho Public Health, said the virus spreads as quickly as the common cold. He said parents should sanitize toys and get children to watch their hands.

There is no vaccine for the virus.