The viral respiratory infection that shocked the Midwest in August made its way to Florida this week.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed Tuesday the state’s first case of Enterovirus D68 was detected in a 10-year-old girl in Polk County.
According to a press release, the girl is recovering. No other information was revealed on her condition.
The virus is highly contagious and spread through droplets in coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as countertops or doorknobs. It has proven especially dangerous for infants and young children.
Florida joins 43 states and Washington, D.C. that have reported more than 500 total cases of Enterovirus D68 nationwide. A 4-year-old boy in New Jersey died of the infection on Sept. 25 and an additional four people infected with the virus have died, but it’s unclear if the deaths were caused by the virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all the cases have involved children.
The Florida Department of Health said the virus is often mistaken for the common cold or flu, and those with asthma are at a higher risk of infection. Symptoms may include wheezing, trouble breathing, high fever with ill appearance, thick nasal discharge and signs of dehydration.
The department recommends washing hands frequently and disinfecting surfaces with nonalcoholic products. Alcohol-based products, such as hand sanitizers, are not effective in combating the disease.
Nadia Kovacevich, an epidemiologist with the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County, said the agency is urging residents to remain at home if they are not feeling well.
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 10/9/2014]
