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Enterovirus D68 & Ebola Info Resources

Enterovirus D68 and Ebola Informational Resources

 

As you are likely aware, the United States has been experiencing a nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) associated with severe respiratory illness that has been especially harmful to children.  Almost all of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children.  Many of the children had asthma or a history of wheezing. Many parents continue to be worried about the outbreak and want information about what they can do to prevent illness and protect themselves and their families.   Erving Elementary has provided information in the 9/26/14 and 10/10/14 parent newsletter and the CDC has developed information and resources for parents about EV-D68.  A list of these resources can be found on the school website (www.erving.com) under the “Parent” tab.

Remember too, as enterovirus season is expected to taper off, flu activity usually begins to increase in October. While there is not a vaccine to prevent illness from enteroviruses, the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.  Many resources for parents and others can be found on the CDC flu web site (www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/index.htm).  CDC recommends that ALL children 6 months old or older get a flu vaccine.

Finally, we know that you may also have questions about what can be done to keep students and adults safe from the Ebola virus.  The President has made control of Ebola a top national security priority, and we as a nation have spent more than $100 million fighting this outbreak since the first cases were reported last March in Africa.  Our national health system has the capacity and expertise to quickly detect and contain this disease and is working with states and school districts to ensure the safety of our students and school employees. As you likely know, the CDC is continually updating its information on Ebola, information that can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html.   Links to Ebola FAQs and tips for talking to you children about Ebola can also be found on the school’s website under the “Parent” tab.