Keep your child from getting or spreading EV-D68

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.  The United States is currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 associated with severe respiratory illness.  On October 6, 2014, the Florida Department of Health was notified of the first positive test for EV-D68.

• Frequently Asked Questions about EV-D68... [51KB PDF]
  Symptoms, how it spreads, prevention

Preventing EV-D68

EV-D68 is transmitted person-to-person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or has close contact with another person.  EV-D68 can also be spread through contact with a surface that has been touched by an infected person.

Clean hands: your first line of defense 
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of EV-D68 is by washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Visit the Clean Hands Campaign website... Tips on proper handwashing for adults and kids

More ways to prevent EV-D68

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs with a bleach solution, especially if someone is sick. FDOH does not recommend the use of alcohol based cleaning tools as they are ineffective against EV-D68.
• Stay home when you are sick. 

More information

• "Keep Your Child from Getting and Spreading Enterovirus D68" Infographic
  [165KB pdf] 
• Clean Hands Campaign...