Omaha is no longer immune to Enterovirus D-68, the respiratory infection that has sent children to hospitals around the U.S.
“We’re super scared about it, just because I was like ‘Oh, I don’t want him to get sick again,'” said mom Tiffany Davis.
Tiffany Davis, mother of 5-year-old Xavier has been especially cautious. Xavier has asthma, which makes him more vulnerable to the virus.
“Those with asthma they already have difficulty breathing and their lungs are affected by their disease,” said Dr. Adi Pour of the Douglas County Health Department. “I think they are just more susceptible to this virus.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Enterovirus D-68 has been reported in 24 states. So what should parents do to make sure their kids stay healthy?
“At this time I would say anybody who has child with asthma should make sure they are up to date on their asthma medication, on their inhalers, that the children know what needs to be done, and caregivers know what needs to be done,” Dr. Pour said.
Douglas County Health Department recommends washing hands and keeping kids that are sick home from school so this virus doesn’t continue to spread.
Contact the reporter:
Elizabeth Ryan: ekryan@unomaha.edu
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