Public health officials confirmed that an 8-year-old boy who lives in Escambia County has been diagnosed with enterovirus D68 infection.

Enterovirus is a respiratory virus that can cause difficulty breathing in infants and young children. Its symptoms are similar to other viruses such as RSV and the flu.

Like RSV and the flu, EV-D68 is highly contagious and spreads through droplets in coughs or sneezes, or when someone touches a contaminated surface like a countertop or doorknob.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and disinfectants are not effective against EV-D68. Frequent hand washing and the use of non-alcohol surface disinfectants are recommended.

Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the district has verified that the boy — who health department officials did not identify beyond the given description — is not a district student.

Even so, all schools have been informed to take extra precautions by following the advice of the Florida Department of Health's instructions. Students and staff are being asked to increase the use of soap and water by washing their hands thoroughly as hand sanitizer has not proven effective against this contagious virus.

Symptoms, prevention

Adults and older children might have only mild signs such as a cough, stuffy nose, and low-grade fever. People with asthma, particularly children, are at increased risk for severe cases. In rare cases, enterovirus infections may become serious enough to require hospitalization.

Other prevention measures include:

— Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow;

— Avoiding sharing cups and eating utensils;

— Refraining from kissing others, especially those with symptoms;

— Frequently cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, tables, toys, etc.) using a bleach solution (1 part bleach and 9 parts water).

Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these symptoms:

— Wheezing

— Trouble breathing

— High fever with ill appearance

— Thick nasal discharge

— Signs of dehydration