As hospitals across the country are reporting incidences of a severe respiratory illness caused by Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), the Chester County Health Department wants residents to have preventative information that could help limit an outbreak in this area.

According to the Health Department, a number of cases have been suspected regionally, but none has been confirmed. In the meantime, health officials want residents to have some background and issued a press release with the following information:

• EV-D68 is a common virus that causes respiratory illness. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat and sometimes fever. Those who have tested positive for the virus are children age 6 weeks to 16 years. Children who have a history of wheezing or asthma are at higher risk for hospitalization, pneumonia, and other complications.

• EV-D68 is spread from person to person by droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Less often, a person might become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

• No specific treatment or medications exist for EV-D68 infections. Many infections will be mild and self-limiting. Some people with severe respiratory illness may need to be hospitalized. Please consult a health-care provider if you or your child (ren) is experiencing symptoms.

From mid-August to Sept. 11, a total of 82 people in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri have been confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The Chester County Health Department recommends that residents protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:

• 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.

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

More information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html?s_cid=cdc_homepage_whatsnew_001