Viral Illness Puts The Breaks On Hospital Visitation For Those Under 18

DETROIT (WWJ) - An increase in the number of young children with viral respiratory illnesses has led Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit to temporarily revise it's patient visitation guidelines.

Effective immediately, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed into the hospital's inpatient units states Dr. Prashant Mahajan.

"It's just unusual that we are seeing this particular strain and again it's a little bit unusual that it is presenting with difficulty breathing in the children who are most severely infected but I would not venture to say it is something to be panicked about," said Mahajan.

While testing has yet to confirm it, Dr. Mahajan says he believes this latest outbreak is the same Enterovirus being seen throughout the Midwest.

"It seems to be impacting children more than adults, especially children who have a history of asthma, and that is the reason why we think it is important to restrict visitation to those who are 18 and above," said Mahajan.

As with any virus:

The CDC recommends thorough and frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of the virus. Also:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cough into your sleeve or a tissue.
• Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups, eating utensils, etc. with people who are sick.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.