2014 may well be remembered as the year of the virus. Prior to the focus on Ebola in Texas, the country’s health care systems were concerned with a nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), which primarily targets children.
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), from mid-August to October 22, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories confirmed a total of 941 people in 46 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. Oklahoma was among those with confirmed cases of EV-D68 infections. What does this mean for the state and its Native American population?
Dr. Anouschka Kenra is one of the pediatric physicians at the Oklahoma City Indian Health Clinic. Kenra says the enterovirus at first can look like a common cold.
“If people exhibit signs like fever, runny nose, cough, excessive tiredness, these are all symptoms of the virus. Unfortunately there is no clear treatment for it,” Kenra said.
Kenra said the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic has seen a few cases, but a little vigilance can go a long way.
“It’s really important with any virus to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. You want to make sure that you don't transfer the virus to others or to catch it yourself,” Kenra said.
“Avoid touching your eyes, your nose or your mouth when you haven't washed your hands. Then you always want to avoid close contact with people that are sick,” Kenra said. “Try not to eat or drink after one another.”
Kenra also encourages the same diligence at home and in the work place. She says frequent use of sanitizing sprays and wipes on surface areas helps limit exposure.
“Of course watch for symptoms, if you have any symptoms of the cold definitely go in and see your physician,” Kenra said.
Kenra says it is also important not to forget that childhood obesity and diabetes are even more of a threat to young Native Americans.
“Like the general population we really do have to deal with kiddoes being pre-diabetic and obese,” Kenra said. “Unfortunately these days we don't always have the best diet and exercise habits.”
Kenra encourages children to exercise about one hour a day, and forego soda and “junk food” for plenty of fruits, vegetables and water.
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