Enterovirus D68 case confirmed in Waterloo Region

Grand River Hospital says one person has been treated for enterovirus D68, the first such case in the region. 

The respiratory virus has made some children seriously ill in Canada and in the United States.

Spokesperson Mark Karjaluoto said Friday Grand River Hospital had been aware of cases happening in other cities, and expected it would arrive at some point in the region. 

"We have prepared as best we can and there will be circumstances that patients will have care in their homes and there may be other circumstances that a patient's health needs may require them to come to the hospital," said Karjaluoto.

Within Ontario, D68 cases have previously been confirmed in Toronto, Hamilton,Windsor and Ottawa.

Karjaluoto says for privacy reasons, he cannot identify the person who was diagnosed with the virus.

He didn't say when the diagnosis occurred.

5 things to know about the virus

Children, particularly those under five and who have respiratory troubles, such as allergies or asthma, are more at risk of being infected by the virus.

Here are five key points you need to know about enterovirus D68:

• Most children will be be asymptomatic or will have a runny nose or cough, like a common cold.
• More serious symptoms include wheezing, trouble breathing and children not eating. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their children have these symptoms.
• Children with asthma and children under six months are more susceptible. They should see a doctor if they have persistent fevers, coughs or display any trouble breathing.
• No children have died during the recent outbreak in the U.S.
• There is no vaccination for the virus. Treatment includes keeping a child at home to prevent the spread of the virus and administering plenty of fluids and nutrition and ensuring the child gets lots of rest.

Region of Waterloo Public Health says people can protect themselves using similar measures to avoiding the flu or the common cold, such as regular hand washing and disinfecting frequently touched objects such as toys or doorknobs. 

Karjaluoto says Grand River Hospital will also take necessary measures to isolate any new cases of the virus it comes across. 

"If there is a circumstance where a case may be suspected and an in-patient admission would be required then that case would be isolated and proper infection control protocols would be put into effect," said Karjaluoto.