Fourteen people in California have been infected with enterovirus D68, including a child who was the first person diagnosed in Riverside County, health officials said.
The child was responding to treatment as other people in the county showed symptoms of the virus, according to City News Service.
Other areas where infected people were being treated included San Diego, Alameda, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Solano and Ventura counties, said Dr. Ron Chapman of the California Department of Public Health.
All but one of the patients had respiratory illnesses, officials said.
“We are not surprised to find EV-D68 causing some illnesses in California given the apparent widespread nature of this virus in other parts of the country,” Chapman said in a statement.
Parents who notice children having difficulty breathing were told to seek medical attention, and everyone six months and older were advised to get a flu shot to protect against respiratory disease.
Officials said the best ways to prevent enterovirus are to:
- 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
