With a rare virus outbreak now infecting people in Colorado and at least 10 other states, Stephanie Hanenberg, executive director, Student Health Center, offered several tips for prevention of the spread of enterovirus 68.
“We’ve been busy,” Hanenberg said Wednesday morning. “Our numbers this August were double what they were a year ago. Some of those numbers are people getting physicals but many of the patients we’re seeing are sick.”
Enterovirus 68 symptoms mimic those of a severe cold, Hanenberg said. There is no vaccine and no cure. Over-the-counter drugs can reduce symptoms. Those at most risk for complications from the virus are those people who already have a respiratory conditionsuch as asthma or emphysema or young children.“For those populations (pediatric and those with respiratory illness), the onset of fever and severe cough means an individual should see a medical provider as soon as possible,” Hanenberg said.
For everyone else, the Student Health Center has been busy distributing posters in student housing and in restrooms across campus that emphasize good hygiene. The Department is also working with the Department of Facilities Services to ensure hand sanitizer stations are available in campus commons areas.
Illness prevention tips from the Center for Disease Control include:
- Frequent hand washing with soap.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, particularly with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick as well as sharing of utensils.
- Disinfect surfaces such as toys, keyboards and door knobs in areas where someone is sick.
- Stay healthy by ensuring all other vaccines – including flu – are current.
— Video by Tom Hutton
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