While Prince William County Schools has not identified any imminent threat to students, the school division is urging residents to prepare for the arrival of the Enterovirus D-68, which can cause severe breathing problems in children with asthma or other existing conditions.
"The ailment has not yet been confirmed in Virginia, but Prince William County Public Schools is preparing for its possible arrival," the school division announced on their webpage. "With your help and the use of standard precautions, we can minimize any possible impact from this ailment to keep our students and families healthy."
PWCS is advising that parents "watch for cold-like symptoms that seem worse than normal, or involve fever, rash, or difficulty breathing."
At locals schools, nurses will reinforce good health practices and monitor and log student health, the school division announced.
"Students showing symptoms of illness will be promptly sent home; parents will be alerted to any unusual levels of illnesses," officials said. "As with many ailments, good preparation and precautionary measures are truly the best medicine for Enterovirus D-68.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are no vaccines for preventing EV-D68 infections or antiviral medications to treat infections. However, many infections will be mild and self-limited, requiring only treatment of the symptoms.
Residents can protect themselves from respiratory illnesses if they wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds and limit contact with someone who has become sick.
PWCS also recommends picking up children immediately if they become sick at school and watch carefully for cold-like symptoms.
"Enteroviruses are common and can't be prevented or cured; their spread can be controlled," they said.
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