LANSING, MI (WLNS) – Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital released a statement on Tuesday confirming two cases of the D-68 strain of the Enterovirus, and while the infections are common, according to their report, there are more than 100 different strains that affect millions of people in the U.S. each year.
But, the Enterovirus is nothing new to doctors, and as the U.S. is seeing a nationwide outbreak, here in Lansing Sparrow Hospital is as well and released a statement Tuesday saying: “Sparrow has received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention that two patients treated at Sparrow tested positive for the D-68 strain of the Enterovirus. The affected patients received appropriate treatment for their illness and are no longer hospitalized.
Even though doctors at Lansing Urgent Care cannot confirm whether or no they have treated any patients with the specific strain, the infections are common.
Symptoms of the Enterovirus are similar to what you see in the common cold, but Dr. Michael Mangan at Lansing Urgent care said if you present symptoms such as wheezing or having a hard time breathing, it’s best to get them checked out.
“Testing can be done to determine whether this is a very severe case,†Dr. Mangan said. “If you need further treatment in a hospital setting or if this is something that you can treat supportively.”
But just because you’re coughing, doesn’t mean you have the D-68 strain of the Enterovirus.
“Someone who’s having a runny nose a cough, low grade fevers, testing is not necessary unless they have concern for problems with Asthma, Emphysema, COPD,†Dr. Mangan said.
And Dr. Michael Mangan said to prevent catching the virus, it all boils down to soap and water, frequently cleaning things like counter tops and door handles will lower your chances of spreading any sickness.