Congressman Cleaver Urges CDC to Develop Comprehensive Detection and Treatment Plan to Battle the Enterovirus

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II has called for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide assistance and information on the outbreak of the Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). This virus, associated with extreme respiratory illness, has reportedly infected six hundred and twenty-eight people across the country.

"The health and wellbeing of my constituents is my highest priority," stated Congressman Cleaver. "I am particularly saddened and troubled by the fact that this virus strikes children in great numbers. I am hopeful that the CDC will work to curtail the spread of EV-D68 and help those impacted with the illness recover. I ask that the CDC develop a comprehensive Enterovirus detection and treatment plan, which should include frequent and updated information on the status of this infection, and steps my constituents can take to best protect their families."

The number of those infected with Enterovirus D68 grows daily and the first reported death occurred just days ago. Children have been most susceptible to EV-D68, with the first cases reported in Missouri's Fifth District.

The United States is currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 associated with severe respiratory illness. One local hospital saw a twenty five percent increase in outpatients with respiratory illness last month. Many state health departments are currently investigating increases in cases of severe respiratory illness in children. The increases could be caused by many different viruses that are common during this time of year. EV-D68 appears to be the predominant type of Enterovirus this year and may be contributing to the increases in severe respiratory illnesses.

EV-D68 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing. Anyone with respiratory illness should contact their doctor if they are having difficulty breathing or if their symptoms are getting worse.

The text of the letter is as follows:

October 8, 2014

Dear Dr. Frieden:

Thank you for your hard work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in helping to ensure the health safety of our nation.

As you know, there is currently a nationwide outbreak of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). This virus, associated with extreme respiratory illness, has reportedly infected six hundred and twenty-eight people across the country. The number grows daily and the first reported death occurred just days ago. Children have been most susceptible to EV-D68, with the first cases reported in my Congressional district of Kansas City, Missouri. One local hospital saw a twenty five percent increase in outpatients with respiratory illness last month.

Although combatting the international threat of Ebola is a top priority, concern over this outbreak is growing, necessitating the need for increased awareness and action. Many in my district have been impacted by EV-D68, and I would like to share the most updated information regarding known symptoms and treatments with my constituents. I ask that the CDC develop a comprehensive Enterovirus detection and treatment plan, which should include frequent and updated information on the status of this infection, and steps my constituents can take to best protect their families.

Additionally, it is critical that the CDC respond to the spread of this virus with the utmost urgency. The health and well-being of our constituencies is a crucial component to the strength of our country. I am hopeful that the CDC will work to curtail the spread of EV-D68 and help those impacted with the illness recover.

Sincerely,

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.

For more information: John Jones – john.jones2@mail.house.gov (202) 763-3280