If you have been following the news, you may have heard of a recent outbreak of a specific enterovirus, D68, which has been making waves in the health community. According to the CDC, enteroviruses are very common viruses causing intense cold-like infections in 10 to 15 million people each year. However, it is this specific, rare strain that has been causing severe respiratory illnesses and even deaths in children in the US this year. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has cropped up every year with documented cases, but causing concern this year as an unprecedented number of children are being admitted to the hospital for treatment. Read on to learn more about this strain and how you can keep your family healthy!

Enterovirus D68 – The Details

EV-D68 is one of more than 100 strains of non-polio enteroviruses, causing mild to severe respiratory illness. Mild symptoms include runny nose, fever, coughing, sneezing and body aches. More severe symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, may also be present. The virus is found in an infected person’s saliva or nasal secretions, and is spread by person-to-person contact (sneezing, coughing, or touching a contaminated surface).

The enterovirus season hits a peak in September, after which it declines in the fall months. There is no specific treatment for enteroviruses. Mild symptoms are managed with over-the-counter medications, and severe symptoms may require hospital care. Most people recover well from enteroviruses.

Who is At Risk?

Typically, infants, children, and teenagers are at greatest risk. This is because they haven’t developed immunity to previous exposures to these viruses. From this recent outbreak, health officials have also identified children with existing respiratory illnesses – such as asthma – to have higher chances of developing the more severe symptoms of EV-D68. Adults that contract the enterovirus will often have mild to no symptoms.

EV-D68 can only be diagnosed from specific lab tests. Many hospitals can test for enterovirus infections, but only the CDC and other health departments can test for specific strains, like EV-D68. Only children with severe respiratory distress and confirmed enterovirus infection will be further tested to find out if they are carrying this particular strain.

What We Know About the Recent Outbreak

Starting in mid-August to October 3, the CDC has confirmed a total of 538 people in 43 states to have contracted EV-D68. It seems that this strain is the predominant one this season, which is puzzling to health officials as it hasn’t caused widespread (and severe) illness prior to this year. Missouri and Illinois were the first states to document the increase in severe respiratory illnesses caused by EV-D68. Almost all of the confirmed cases of EV-D68 have been children, many of which have a history of asthma. The CDC and local health departments are continuing to investigate the deaths of four children, most likely from EV-D68; samples have been taken for testing and the investigation is ongoing.

Staying Healthy

The start of the new school year is likely playing a role in the spread of the enterovirus. Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing with a shirt sleeve (not hands), and avoid those that are sick. Additionally, if your children are unwell, keep them at home to prevent further spread of illnesses. Ensure that children with asthma have their inhalers close at hand and monitor them for exacerbated wheezing. If your child develops severe respiratory symptoms, especially wheezing, take him or her to your physician for a visit.

If you are traveling domestically with your children and want to stay up-to-date on this outbreak or have other health questions/concerns, be sure to visit your local Passport Health clinic!

What are your thoughts on the EV-D68 outbreak? Let us know in the comment section below!

Sources:
ABC News: Respiratory Virus Hits Kids
CDC: Enterovirus Overview
CNN: Virus sends hundreds to hospital

Project CURE (Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment) has impacted millions of lives across the globe, bringing much needed medical equipment to clinics and doctors with depleted supplies in impoverished countries. As one of the 20 most cost-effective nonprofit organizations in the United States, Project CURE has aided individuals in more than 130 countries. Not only does the organization ship cargo containers full of medical supplies overseas, but it also offers individual travelers the opportunity to do some global good as well.

Project CURE has taken advantage of travel being such a booming industry by allowing travelers headed to developing countries to take CURE Kit along with them. One kit contains supplies that are critical to enhancing the health of under-privileged regions of the world, and these kits are pre-packed and are delivered ready-for-travel to those going to underserved countries.

The kit comes in a sturdy, 18”x18x18” box and meets international travel regulations. However, it’s recommended to unpack the box and put the supplies and equipment in a sturdy, rolling duffel bag because the contents of the kit weighs approximately 48lbs. If required at customs, a donation letter is included in the kit as well. Once in the hands of the traveler, the contents of the kit are not to be sold and must be designated for use in foreign countries. A $200 handling fee is required for the attaining and storing the kit, and ground shipping is included in the final cost.

Here’s how to order a kit:

Here’s a personal testimonial from Penny, who purchased a CURE kit and traveled with her husband to Fiji:

Do you ever wonder what happens to all the supplies that we send to Project Cure? My husband Bill and I just returned from a vacation trip to Fiji and decided to bring a Cure Kit along with us… The clinic where we dropped these off is on a very remote island in Northwestern Fiji that is only accessible by foot or boat. The lone nurse on the island, Miliana, is responsible for over 3000 residents as the physician left recently and has yet to be replaced. The one room clinic was sparsely supplied as she had not received a shipment from the government in a while. We arrived by boat into the village wearing our sulus, which is the polite dress for visits. Mliiana was shy but amazed and delighted with our donation and we filled the table (behind us in the photo) with all of the supplies. For days afterward, the staff at the resort where we were staying kept telling us how happy Miliana was and how much the whole island would benefit from the donations. I cannot begin to tell you how good it felt to know that all of us here at CBCI helped out these wonderful people! So, a great big Vinaka Vakalevu (Fijian “thank you very much”) to all of you for making this possible!

What an impact a CURE kit can make! As a result of this donation, Miliana was able to care for the 3,000 residents of the island more comfortably than she was able to before Penny and her husband visited, and Penny has a memory that will last a lifetime!

Project CURE also has program titled “Kits for Kids”, in which kits are shipped across the globe to parents who are not otherwise capable of taking their sick children to a hospital, which may be a long journey by bicycle, bus, or even by foot. Not all medical clinics are right down the road, and so kits containing basic medicine cabinets like these help parents keep their children healthy. More information on Kits for Kids and how to contribute can be found at this site.

If you are traveling to an impoverished country, consider purchasing a CURE kit to give to the medical teams in those countries. Remember, although providing for others is always rewarding, taking care of yourself is important as well. Be sure to visit a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks prior to your to ensure you stay healthy and well for the good work you will do!

Over 1.5 million children die every year before their 5th birthday from diseases that can be easily prevented by common vaccines. More than 90% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. Providing immunizations to children in developing nations has long been recognized as one of the most cost-effective strategies to save lives in these regions. As a Vaccine Ambassador, when you receive health care, a child in a less fortunate part of the world will benefit as well.

Vaccine Ambassadors began as a pediatric clinic-based program that allows parents to become a partner in increasing access to life-saving vaccines for all children within the convenience of their pediatrician’s office. As a Vaccine Ambassador, a small contribution of as little as $2 is collected during payment for service. While a $2 donation may seem small, its impact is not. Through Vaccine Ambassadors, $2 can purchase tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (DPT) vaccines for 6 children.

In September of 2013, Vaccine Ambassadors launched its first partnership clinic program, and, currently, there are almost 20 providers participating in the program.

In addition to a pediatric clinic-based program, Vaccine Ambassadors is expanding its program to include other venues where people receive immunizations. Most recently, Vaccine Ambassadors has partnered with Mutual Wholesales Drug Company, a co-op of over 500 independent pharmacies in NC, VA, and SC. The Vaccine Ambassadors program will be offered to the 380 independent pharmacies in North Carolina annually from October-March, as a way to highlight vaccines during flu season. Supplemental Health Care, one of the largest national healthcare staffing agencies in the US, has also joined Vaccine Ambassadors with a corporate commitment on behalf of the world’s children.

Through an innovative partnership with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), 100% of contributions received through Vaccine Ambassadors are used to purchase vaccines and immunization services.

As the world continues to look for ways to prevent, treat, and cure diseases that are not yet fully understood, it is crucial to be vigilant about protecting children from the ones that we can. Vaccine Ambassadors believes that all children deserve equitable access to basic immunizations. With a small donation, a lasting impact on the health of a child can be made.

About Vaccine Ambassadors:

Vaccine Ambassadors, LLC, under the Fund for Children and Youth, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit (2012) was founded by healthcare providers and parents who are committed to the belief that opportunity starts with good health and that all children deserve the same access to life-saving vaccines regardless of where they live.

About the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO):

PAHO/WHO is an international public health agency with over 110 years of experience working to improve the health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System and also as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization. It enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.

The PAHO Revolving Fund procures qualified vaccines at competitive prices for 39 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean. In its efforts to improve health, PAHO targets the most vulnerable groups including mothers and children, workers, the poor, the elderly, refugees, and displaced persons. It focuses on issues related to equity for those who lack access to health and on a Pan-American approach encouraging countries to work together on common issues.

CeraLyte is a rice-based oral rehydration solution that is key component in travel health kits used by international travelers across the globe, but, for some in the Ebola ravaged regions of Liberia and Sierra Leone, it might become a life-saver.

Cera Products, the producer of CeraLyte, has donated over 17 tons of its product to the humanitarian organization Direct Relief in hopes that it will help keep Ebola patients from suffering from dehydration or shock to give them a better chance at overcoming the deadly disease.

The specific product that was sent, CeraLyte-70 ORS, is designed to be used with vomiting and diarrhea, two of the main symptoms of Ebola. The rice-based product provides many other benefits across all of its variants including: replacing fluid loss, reducing future fluid loss by as much as 30%, and helping in the absorption of oral medicines.

One of the biggest constraints to controlling the Ebola outbreak in the West African region has been the limited number of medical personnel available to assist in treatment of the disease. With this in mind, Cera Products chose to send pre-made solution which could easily be handed out to drink just like Gatorade or any other product.

“We sent ready to drink, as it would be easier to administer than powder,” said Charlene Riikonen, the president and CEO of Cera Products over e-mail. “[Powder] needs to be mixed with water, and we don’t know their water situation there.”

Riikonen says that while the company does not currently have any plans to send more rehydration solutions to Africa through Direct Relief, it is possible that it will get there through other means.

“We may be sending more, but will wait to see what is needed, and the US military may be ordering some to take and some to distribute as well.”

What Cera Products has given is just the latest donation that Direct Relief has received. Since the Ebola outbreak in West Africa began, the organization has sent more than $6 million worth of goods to the region in hopes of treating people already exhibiting symptoms and protecting those that have yet to become infected.

If you’ve ever thought that it seems like you get sick every time you take an airplane somewhere, you might not be mistaken. In recent studies conducted by scientists on the lifespan of different types of germs, results showed that some deadly pathogens are hardy for seven days or longer inside an airplane. Understanding the life span of germs on airplanes can help you take action to stay healthy whether you’re taking a trip across North America or across the world.

Types of Germs and Their Airplane Lifespans

Medical researchers at Auburn University took samples of E. coli and MRSA, germs which cause illnesses ranging from diarrhea to severe skin wound infections, and placed them on common areas in airplanes such as seats, trays, seat belts and handles. The scientists discovered the MRSA germs lasted for up to seven days on the cloth seat pocket with the magazines, and the E. coli persisted for four days on the armrest. The scientists found that the germs were most easily passed to human skin when they were on a plastic surface. Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Arizona found MRSA on the food trays of at least one in every four flights.

Where Germs Lurk on Airplanes

Just like in other environments where people spend time, germs are present on just about every surface in an airplane. While airline staff do their best to sanitize the plane’s cabin between flights, not every germ gets removed. Moreover, during a long or crowded flight as well as during peak cold and flu season, there simply may be more germs to go around. Germs are common on airplane surfaces including the flip-down trays, arm rests, seat back pockets, toilet flushers and window shades.

How to Stay Healthy During Air Travel

As soon as you set foot in the airport, you’ll need to take precautions against germs. Try to touch as few surfaces as possible. Once you’re on the plane, get out your stash of antibacterial wipes and thoroughly swab each surface around your seat. Concentrate on the areas your hands, food and drinks will touch. These include the safety belt, arm rests, tray table, seat pocket, window shade and overhead compartment bin. Bring along a TSA-approved size of personal hand sanitizer to use when accessing the restroom is not convenient for hand washing. If the people seated near you are sneezing or coughing, ask if it’s possible to switch seats to a place where no one is obviously sick. You may also want to avoid having drinks poured by airline staff and instead opt for the bottled water that’s still sealed. Bring your own snacks that don’t have to be placed onto the tray table, and avoid putting personal items into the cloth seat back pockets.

Preparing for a Healthy International Trip

Before boarding an aircraft for an international trip, visit a travel health clinic where a travel health specialist will help you determine whether you need any vaccinations or travel immunizations for your destination. A pre-travel health exam can help determine your overall health and whether you’ll need any medications such as anti-malarial drugs for your trip. Travel health specialists also offer expert guidance on how to pack travel supplies for optimal health. You may need items such as sunscreen, mosquito repellant, a water purification kit, anti-diarrheal medications and first aid supplies for your destination.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control: Infectious Diseases Related to International Travel: E. coli
ABC News: Are Airplane Seats a Ticket to Infection?
Forbes.com: Planes Can Harbor Deadly Infections for 7 Days, Study Shows