Alberta Health Services (AHS) reports the confirmation of 18 Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) cases during the period of Sept. 1 to 10. The cases are broken down as follows: Calgary Zone (10), Edmonton Zone (5), Central Zone (2) and North Zone (1).

Image/Public domain photo/John Fowler via Wikimedia Commons
Image/Public domain photo/John Fowler via Wikimedia Commons

At this time, it is NOT known whether the cases of EV-D68 recently confirmed in Alberta are the same strain as the strain of EV-D68 currently circulating in the USA. Alberta’s Provincial Laboratory of Public Health continues to work with the National laboratory to determine whether the EV-D68 cases in Alberta are being caused by the same EV-D68 that has been reported in the USA.

Enteroviruses are a common group of viruses that can cause various types of illness, including respiratory illness that effects the nose, throat and lungs. Much like many other respiratory illnesses, we often see an increase in cases of enterovirus in the fall and winter seasons.

Related: Pennsylvania, Oklahoma the latest states with confirmed Enterovirus D68

Albertans are encouraged to follow these simple precautions to protect themselves from circulating viruses, including enteroviruses:

  • Using soap and warm water, wash your hands thoroughly and often, including after coughing, sneezing, using tissues or the washroom, and before eating or preparing foods. Alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer can also be helpful if hands are not visibly soiled.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, always cough or sneeze into your arm, not into your hands. Throw away tissues after wiping your nose or covering a cough and wash your hand.
  • Make a point of keeping hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth
  • If you have symptoms of illness, including fever, cough, runny nose or sneezing, stay home from work, school, daycare, or any social function. Please also refrain from visiting family, friends or loved ones in hospitals, care facilities or seniors lodges, until you have fully recovered.
  • Keep household surfaces clean, regularly using a household cleaner (follow directions on the product label)

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