Enterovirus arrives

THUNDER BAY -- Enterovirus D-68 has arrived in Ontario, but Thunder Bay appears to be safe for now.

David Williams, the medical officer of health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, said the virus isn’t something that hasn’t been dealt with in the past.

This particular outbreak began in the American Midwest, but while relatively common, seems to be having a more serious affect on children already facing respiratory illness.

“Have we had it here before in the past? We might have. We don’t usually test for it on a regular basis. A lot of (cases) in the past, in children and adults have asymptomatic, or very mild, cold symptoms. It still is presenting that only those who have a history of asthma or respiratory difficulties may get more exacerbations of those symptoms,” Williams said on Thursday.

In the U.S., the virus has landed hundreds of children in hospital, though none have died. Nearly 20 patients have been diagnosed in Alberta, with cases landing in British Columbia and now Ottawa, where four cases have been confirmed.

Hospitals in Windsor have suspected cases, but have yet to see the official results from laboratory tests.

The outbreak was first spotted last month, when children south of the border returned to school.

Williams said it’s not a reportable disease, although laboratories will generally inform the health unit if a case is uncovered.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, runny noses, muscle aches and coughing.

Younger patients, particularly those with breathing difficulties already in place, are more likely to experience heavy coughing and face the most serious health-related problems when the disease, first discovered 46 years ago, does strike.

Williams cautioned parents not to panic or overreact if some of the symptoms, which are also associated with colds and influence, appear.

“We only want to test those children who have severe respiratory illnesses. We can’t have everyone with a runny nose tested. We’ll overrun the lab system,” Williams said.

For now they’ll take a wait-and-see approach, relying on physician diagnosis to determine if the disease has landed in Thunder Bay or Northwestern Ontario.

Williams encouraged parents to have their children injected with the influenza vaccination. While it won’t stop Enterovirus D-68, it should help doctors make the correct diagnosis, able to immediately rule out influenza.

High-risk patient most likely to be susceptible to enterovirus D-68 are being encouraged to get their flu shots early, ahead of the official October rollout.

“Those parents with children with high-risk factors can go and get their children vaccinated. If they want information, call the Health Unit and we can arrange that as well,” Williams said. “It’s a good thing to do to move ahead.”