Sunday, November 18, 2007

Adenovirus Type 14. The Lethal Cold Virus

A lethal virus that causes cold symptoms and severe pneumonia has been responsible for several deaths in the United States. This virus can prove fatal even for healthy individuals with no medical problems

Officials from the Center for Disease Control are calling the virus "challenging". It is much more virulent than past strains of the adenovirus. Adenovirus expert Gregory C. Gray, MD, MPH is calling it a "mystery" and is concerned about the "uniqueness" of this particular strain.

The virus has been seen in four States and has caused ten deaths. It was first documented in New York in May 2006 when the virus killed a 12 day old infant.

Adenovirus 14 has been seen in Oregon when patients with severe pneumonia sought treatment in April of this year at the same hospital. Seven of the thirty people treated died.

May 2007, four patients were treated from the same residential facility in Washington State. One patient died who also had AIDS. The three survivors had adenovirus, or Ad 14.

Recruits at Lackland Air Force Base were found to have AD14 in February 2007. Twenty seven recruits tested positive between February and June; one died and five were treated in the ICU. Six of 218 healthcare workers who treated the recruits tested positive for Ad14. No test results are available past September.

One of the common elements associated with this virus is obesity. Other inflammatory disease of the lungs complicates the illness.

Since most laboratories can't test for the virus, and it's more active in the winter months it will be difficult to track the illness should it become epidemic. Testing is done by blood sampling, but most laboratories are not set up to perform the test, and the blood might need to be sent to a speciality lab for analysis.

The adenovirus has been around since the 1950's, but this strain is more potent and seems very different from the original adenosvirus.

It will be a medical challenge to closely monitor patients who have lingering respiratory symptoms. Laboratory testing is indicated for anyone with worsening cold symptoms. Intensive treatment is needed to treat the virus.

Watch yourself closely. Watch your children. Go to the doctor and get yourself to the doctor if you develop a severe cold in the coming months.

Be especially careful around others. Viruses are spread through coughing and sneezing. Adenovirus is common among children and can be found in feces. The virus lives for weeks on contaminated surfaces and can linger in swimming pools. Symptoms occur two to nine days after exposure.

Take good care of yourself. Seek medical care for your loved ones if you have any concerns. Get yourself treated if you have any suspicion that you may have been in contact with the adenovirus.

Other new posts:
Qigong for Neck Pain

Stretching is Shown to Increase Endurance
The eyes may be a reservoir for MRSA
Share/Bookmark