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4 New Enterovirus D68 Cases Confirmed In Suffolk County

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Four new cases of enterovirus D68 have been confirmed by state officials in Suffolk County, according to a news release Friday.

The cases were confirmed by the New York State Department of Health, the release said. As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported,, two of those affected were elementary school-aged children under age 9, and two were under age 3, the release said.

In the wake of the enterovirus cases, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken warned residents to take precautions so as to keep the virus from spreading.

"These isolated reports indicate that this particular type of enterovirus is currently circulating in Suffolk County as it is throughout New York and the U.S.," Tomarken said in the news release. "Most people who contract EV-D68 will experience the same symptoms as they would with the common cold, but it has been reported by the (Centers for Disease Control) that that EV-D68 has caused serious complications in children who have respiratory illness or are immune-compromised. For this reason, we ask residents to take precautions."

A few additional cases from Suffolk County were being investigated by the state's Wadsworth Laboratory near Albany, Suffolk County officials said. The laboratory is the only facility in the state that is able to test for the enterovirus.

4 New Enterovirus D68 Cases Confirmed In Suffolk County

The news from Long Island came as officials in New Jersey investigated whether the same virus might have caused the death of a 4-year-old boy.

Parents at theHealth officials said the boy – identified as Eli Waller -- died early Thursday at home. He attended Yardville Elementary School in Hamilton, New Jersey.

Health officials said they have sent samples to both the state and the CDC to determine whether the enterovirus caused the child's death.

They are also taking other precautions.

"I just thought it was prudent, along with superintendent, to clean and sanitize that child's classroom, just as a preventative measure; as a calming measure," said Hamilton Township Health Officer Jeff Plunkett. "We try to protect everyone, just in case it was a respiratory virus."

Health officials say enteroviruses are common, but the strain of D68 is less common.

There are no specific treatments for the virus, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and others:

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your 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.

Health officials also suggest parents call their physician if a child shows symptoms of the respiratory virus.

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