Potential Enterovirus case at Colorado Springs preschool

A rapidly spreading virus has possibly reached a local preschool.??

Widefield School District 3 sent a letter to parents saying a North Preschool employee is showing symptoms of Enterovirus D68.??

The virus can appear like the common cold. Symptoms include wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing.

??In the email sent to parents, the district said it was taking preventative measures before it found out about the possible case.??

“Prior to notification of the suspected case we had already implemented a strict regimen of our cleaning procedures and practices. We will continue to take necessary precautions,” the email said.

??Danielle Williamson received the email Friday. She said she is worried about her daughter’s health.??

“It’s just a little bit scary,” Williamson said. “Am I going to wake up and she’s not going to be breathing or something like that?”

The school district says this is not a confirmed case of Enterovirus D68. They just want parents to take precautionary measures.

El Paso County Health tells KRDO NewsChannel 13 there is no local means of testing this Enterovirus strain.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention handles the testing, and prioritizes cases based on severity of the symptoms.

Williamson said she knows how quickly illnesses can spread at school. “Anything at that preschool spreads like wildfire.

If one kids gets sick, everyone gets sick,” she said.