A Maryland College Student Died From a Dangerous Strain of Adenovirus - Article Health

A student at the University of Maryland has died from an illness associated with adenovirus—a common virus that’s also been linked to 11 deaths in New Jersey over the last two months. According to WJLA news, the UMD student was identified as 18-year-old Olivia Paregol.

Paregol’s death was announced Tuesday in a statement from David McBride, MD, director of the University of Maryland health center, although she was not mentioned by name. “While we are normally prohibited from sharing medical information publicly,” Dr. McBride wrote, “we have been authorized by a family member to share this news and urge others to take seriously this strain of a common virus.”

The statement to the campus community also noted that six cases of adenovirus had been diagnosed at the university since November 1.

With these tragedies making headlines, you may be wondering what adenovirus is and how such a common virus can turn deadly. Here’s what you should know–and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is adenovirus?
Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that can cause a range of symptoms and illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For example, they can be responsible for the common cold, stomach flu, sore throat, bronchitis, diarrhea, pink eye, fever, and bladder inflammation or infection.

When is adenovirus dangerous?
The recent outbreak in a New Jersey nursing and rehabilitation facility that killed 11 children has been attributed to a specific strain, called adenovirus 7, that is “associated with communal living arrangements and is known to cause severe illness—especially in those with compromised immune systems,” according to the New Jersey Department of Health. (The facility treats children with serious medical issues.)

How is adenovirus treated?
Unfortunately, there is no specific adenovirus treatment. Doctors usually recommend rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like pain and fever.



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