Dangerous Virus, Emergency Power & Microchips

Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, September 19, 2014 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Since school started in mid-August, doctors across the country have seen over 1,000 children with respiratory infections. That’s a dramatic increase from previous years. This year, the illness surfaced first in the Midwest, then spread as far east as North Carolina and was identified as one of a hundred different strains of enteroviruses related to the common cold. Currently, 22 states, including Georgia, have reported dramatic increases in the number of children infected this year, compared to previous years.

Georgia and nine other states sent samples to the CDC that identified them as Enterovirus D68 or EV – D68, which appears as a severe cold, but with worse symptoms – a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, that can escalate into breathing difficulties.

Dr. Holly Phillips said on CBS, “It is a rare strain of a very common virus. The most important thing to pick up on is any difficulty breathing … wheezing or a cough that just won’t stop.” All infected children have survived, but about 15 percent of over 300 treated in Missouri ended up in intensive care, where some required oxygen, intravenous fluids and drugs. Children as young as six weeks of age may be affected. Continue reading →