Ten states have contacted the Centers for Disease Control and prevention for assistance in investigated the Enterovirus EV-D68 outbreak, including Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
In Kansas City, Mo., Children’s Mercy Hospital is seeing 30 children each day with the virus, 15 percent of whom have been placed in intensive care. All told, the hospital has received nearly 500 cases of the virus recently. To cope with the influx of pediatric patients in the past month, the hospital is collaborating with other providers.
In Denver, more than 900 children have reported to Children’s Hospital Colorado with the viral illness in the past month. Nearly 10 percent have been admitted to the pediatric unit, according to the report.
East Columbus, Ohio’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital is reporting a 20 percent increase in pediatric patients in the past week, and Hannibal (Mo.) Regional Hospital has also reported seeing a spike in Enterovirus patients. Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., saw more than 70 children with respiratory issues last weekend, according to the report.
Of the various Enterovirus strains, EV-D68 is particularly rare, according to the report. The virus seems to be most dangerous for children with asthma or children under the age of five, and it may also attack the central nervous system in extreme cases, according to research on the strain.
More articles on capacity management:
When services are siloed, capacity stalls
First responders use station wagon mobile units to to save ED resources
Workflow challenges hinder infection control in the ASC
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.