October 14, 2014
Dear Parents,
We would like to address the respiratory virus that has been in the news recently.
Enteroviruses, among them Enterovirus D68, cause 10-15million illnesses each year in the
United States, mostly in the summer and fall months, and peaking in September.
There have been multiple clusters of the uncommon Enterovirus D68 recently in 48 states,
among them, Illinois, with an increase in hospitalizations, especially in children.
Symptoms of Enterovirus D68 are: cold like symptoms, including runny nose and congestion,
sneezing, coughing, fever, and body aches. More severe symptoms include fever (>101.0)
lasting 3 or more days, wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
The majority of people who contract Enterovirus D68 will have mild symptoms. If you or your
family members develop severe symptoms, seek medical treatment by seeing your health care
provider, and stay home from school or work.
The virus is spread the same way as other respiratory infections are spread, through saliva and
mucous when someone sneezes, coughs, or touches something.
As with all illnesses, to protect yourself, wash hands often, avoid touching your mouth and face
area (the T zone), cough into your sleeve not your hands, drink plenty of fluids, get enough
sleep (8-10 hours for children), eat healthy, and stay home if you are ill.
Infants, children, and teenagers as well as those with existing health conditions are more at risk
to become infected.
We have had no documented cases of Enterovirus D68 at Lindop so far this year. Please feel
free to contact the school health office if you have any questions or concerns or need to report
a child absent due to illness.
Sincerely,
Rachelle Wilson
School Nurse
(708) 345-2475