Virus Infection

The US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control reported Thursday that a mutation of a virus that causes common cold has killed 10 people in the 18 months since May 2006.

The new bug is an adenovirus, which normally are involved in non-lethal respiratory infections. There are 51 types of adenoviruses. They can cause pneumonia and bronchitis, in addition to being one of the causes of the common cold. But some adenoviruses have been associated with gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and cystitis. This new mutated bug is a variant of adenovirus type 14, also called Ad14.

The adenovirus has been responsible for at least 140 illnesses in four states (New York, Oregon, Washington and Texas).

Still, the CDC officials believe there is no cause for alarm and they are not issuing new precautions for the guidance of the general public. It is not yet clear how the mutations made the Ad14 more lethal.

* The earliest case involving the mutated Ad14 was an infant girl in New York who died May 2006. Although quite healthy after birth, she became dehydrated, lost appetite, and died 12 days after birth.

* In March this year, at least 106 trainees at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas were sickened by the variant Ad14, and one 19-year-old female recruit died while 5 were sent to an intensive care unit.

* In April, several cases were reported at a hospital near Portland, Oregon. Health officials counted 31 cases and 7 ultimately died with severe pneumonia. In May, Washington state officials reported 4 cases with 1 death. All had the mutated Ad14 virus.

Before 2006, no Ad14 virus was detected in adenovirus samples collected in medical facilities. But in 2006, samples from 22 facilities included 6 percent of Ad14 virus.

The mutated virus may have implications for the military, particularly since several types of adenoviruses have affected military recruits in the past. Military officials are reintroducing adenovirus vaccine for types 4 and 7 because these have been persistent problems. They are now monitoring mutant Ad14; if it becomes a continuing threat, then a vaccine may be developed.

Since they are viruses, there are no effective medications against adenoviruses. Treatment usually consists of aspirin, plenty of liquids and bed rest. Most people will probably not suffer any symptoms if infected by the mutant virus, or else may just suffer a common cold.

Safety Tips:

* If you experience high fever or have breathing difficulties, see your doctor.

* Wash hands frequently with regular soap and water. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.