Dem urges CDC to develop enterovirus treatment plan

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) on Wednesday urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a strategy to combat the enterovirus outbreak.

Although Ebola has been dominating recent headlines, Cleaver called for action on the enterovirus D68 outbreak that has infected more than 600 people nationwide.

{mosads}”Although combatting the international threat of Ebola is a top priority, concern over this outbreak is growing, necessitating … increased awareness and action,” Cleaver wrote in a letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden. 

“I ask that the CDC develop a comprehensive Enterovirus detection and treatment plan, which should include frequent and updated information on the status of this infection, and steps my constituents can take to best protect their families,” Cleaver continued.

Cleaver further noted that the first cases of the enterovirus were reported in his Kansas City district. At least one American has died from the severe respiratory disease this month. Cases of the enterovirus are more likely to affect children and are expected to decline later in the fall, according to the CDC.