Genesee County Health Department Updates Local, Statewide Enterovirus Numbers

The Genesee County Health Department has updated the number of cases of Enterovirus D68. Enterovirus is a severe respiratory illness in kids ages 5-17. The GCHD is working with the Michigan Department of Community Health which has received numerous reports of the illness.

The GCHD says that as of October 1st, there have been 25 confirmed cases of EV-D68 in the state out of 34 tested, and only one confirmed case in Genesee County. Symptoms of EV-D68 can include fever, cough, new onset wheezing, difficulty breathing and racing heart rate. Those who have a previous history of asthma or wheezing are also more susceptible to the contracting EV-D68.

The GCHD says residents can better protect themselves by taking general hygiene precautions such as washing hands often with soap and water, cover your cough, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and staying home when feeling sick and talking with a doctor.

Additional information about EV-D68 can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website here.