Russell J. Berkowitz of The Berkowitz Law Firm LLC Comments on Enterovirus D68 Outbreak in Connecticut, Noting Precautions
Stamford, CT (PRWEB) September 26, 2014 -- Hospitals across the country are reporting cases of Enterovirus D68, a mysterious respiratory illness that has hospitalized children in a dozen states. Officials at local hospitals have announced they are treating children with suspected cases of the virus.
According to NBC Connecticut, officials at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford said they have been treating a number of children with respiratory symptoms and that eight to ten children may have contracted the virus.*
“With at least one confirmed case of Enterovirus D68 here in Connecticut, many parents are understandably concerned,” said Russell J. Berkowitz of The Berkowitz Law Firm LLC. “Medical professionals urge people not to panic but to be proactive about learning the signs and symptoms of this upper-respiratory illness, how to prevent infection and when to call the doctor. The good news is that the usual precautions against colds and flu, such as frequent hand washing, are your best defense against this lesser-known virus.”
Enterovirus 68 could pose a dangerous risk to children with asthma and/or other respiratory illnesses due to low oxygen levels in their blood, Chief of Infectious Diseases for St. Francis Hospital Dr. Ulysses Wu told NBC Connecticut. But, he noted, parents should not panic, because most cases can be resolved quickly with proper treatment.*
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of Enterovirus 68 include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and body aches. Children with more severe cases have reported difficulty breathing and wheezing.**
Parents who notice these symptoms in children should take them to the doctor right away to make sure they receive proper and timely treatment, recommends Berkowitz. The best defense against virus outbreaks is education and awareness, he noted.
The CDC gave the following recommendations for protecting against respiratory illness:
“Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick; and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.”
According to CDC, there have been 220 reported cases of the virus across the country since mid-August. All cases of the virus have been in children, with the exception of one adult.**
About The Berkowitz Law Firm LLC
The Berkowitz Law Firm LLC is a plaintiffs’ firm that represents individuals and families across the state of Connecticut in serious personal injury claims involving negligence. The firm has experience in the most complex medical malpractice claims, including those involving hospital borne infection, misdiagnosis and emergency room errors. For more information about the firm, please visit http://www.berkowitzlawfirm.com.
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Sources:
*http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Enterovirus-Suspected-Connecticut-Disease-274967531.html
** http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html
Russ Berkowitz, The Berkowitz Law Firm LLC, http://www.berkowitzlawfirm.com/, +1 (866) 314-9352, [email protected]
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