New York State Health Department Confirms Multiple Cases of Enterovirus 68
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Creatas Images/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The New York State Health Department announced on Friday that it has identified multiple patients who have fallen ill with the Enterovirus 68.
Based on information from various state agencies and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total number of states in which the Enterovirus 68 may have spread could be as high 18. The CDC has confirmed the virus in at least seven states. The New York State Department of Health would also say that cases of the disease have been confirmed in the Capital Region and in Central New York.
“It is important that we follow common sense rules to prevent the spread of this virus,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said. He urged New Yorkers to was their hands with soap and water often, avoid touching eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands, avoid close bodily contact with people who are sick, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and generally treating the disease as you would influenza.
Additional samples are being sent to the New York State Department of Health for testing.
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