Dozens of Children Hospitalized in Monmouth County from Suspected Enterovirus

Local area hospitals are reporting dozens of cases of what is suspected to be the enterovirus D68 throughout Monmouth County.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune is reporting that they have around 30 children they are monitoring who may have possibly contracted the virus, according to my9nj.com.

Michael A. Meddis, Public Health Coordinator for Monmouth County, reported Tuesday an additional 18 suspected cases at other local hospitals, including Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, according to Brookdale Public Radio.

The Department of Health has reported that they have sent multiple cases to the CDC to be tested, but at this time the CDC has only confirmed one case of the enterovirus in New Jersey.

While antibiotics don’t work for this specific virus, it is still treatable, and similar to the common cold, with symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. People, especially children, with respiratory issues including asthma are urged to pay special attention to these symptoms because it can lead to more serious issues.

This virus is spread through contact, so health officials insist that people wash their hands regularly, as well as avoiding contact with people who display common cold-like symptoms.

To read more, go to: www.my9nj.com/story/26626158/possible-outbreak-of-enterovirus-in-nj