Alaska News

Alaska health officials urge good hygiene as respiratory illness crosses U.S.

As a virulent respiratory illness continues to circulate across the Lower 48 and sicken hundreds of children, Alaska health officials have issued advice for residents in the north: Keep up with hygiene.

By Tuesday, Alaska remained one of only a few states that had not reported patients infected with enterovirus 68. From mid-August to Sept. 30, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 472 cases of the virus in 41 states and Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services released a statement Tuesday with tips on how to best prevent respiratory illnesses, including enterovirus 68, the flu and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Get the flu shot early, wash hands often and disinfect surfaces frequently, the statement said.

Louisa Castrodale, an epidemiologist in the Alaska Division of Public Health, said it's difficult to differentiate between the respiratory illnesses when looking at early symptoms. All mimic a bad cold.

Symptoms of enterovirus 68 include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, low-grade fever and body aches that can escalate to wheezing and difficulty breathing. Children younger than five with asthma run a higher risk of developing a more serious illness, the statement said.

This strain of enterovirus is rarely seen, and there is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine for treating the virus, according to the CDC.

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While the CDC has not confirmed any deaths linked to the infection, the high rate of cases has left some hospitals strapped for space.

Dr. Michael Cooper, infectious disease program manager with the state health department, said in the statement Tuesday that with more states reporting cases of enterovirus 68, "it would not be surprising if the virus is detected in Alaska soon."

At the Anchorage School District, staff is being "extra vigilant" in reminding students to wash their hands and cover their mouths, said district spokeswoman Heidi Embley.

The state has not confirmed any flu cases in September. Last year, flu season ramped up from November to January, with a second outbreak in May and June.

Want more advice on how to stay healthy? Here's the full list from the state:

  • Get a flu shot early this fall.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (alcohol hand gel is not as good as hand washing with soap and water).
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
  • Children and adults with asthma should be sure to have their asthma symptoms under control and see a health care provider if they develop a respiratory infection and their asthma worsens.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Do not go to day care, school or work while ill.

Tegan Hanlon

Tegan Hanlon was a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News between 2013 and 2019. She now reports for Alaska Public Media.

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