Enteroviruses are common viruses that cause approximately 10-15 million infections in the United States every year. In 2014, an increase in one type of enterovirus, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), was reported across the country. Orange County confirmed its first cases of enterovirus D68 in October 2014, but has not experienced any increases or outbreaks of D68. Clinicians are recommended to consider EV-D68 as a possible cause of acute, unexplained severe respiratory illness, even in the absence of fever.
Enterovirus infections are generally NOT reportable in Orange County, unless associated with aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid myelitis or outbreaks (which should be reported by phone (714-834-8180) or fax or
fax (714-560-4050) to OCHCA Epidemiology). However, OCHCA Epidemiology may be interested in enterovirus positive specimens from laboratories as part of the state enhanced surveillance. Facilities and providers are encouraged to contact Epidemiology to arrange.
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website
https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/hcp/ev-d68-hcp.html.
For information about acute flaccid myelitis, see http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/epi/azdiseases/acute_flaccid_myelitis_(afm)
Last reviewed December 3, 2018
