Enterovirus D68

Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) was first identified in California is 1968. It is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses.  The virus can cause mild symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, and body aches.  It can also cause more severe symptoms such as wheezing or difficulty breathing.  These symptoms may be more common in individuals with other risk factors such as asthma or prematurity.  The virus is found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions. Therefore, EV-D68 likely spreads when a person sneezes, coughs, or touches a surface, and the secretions are passed from person to person.  There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 other than symptomatic care.  Some people with severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized.  It is important to head to your doctor if you are concerned your child is having increased work of breathing and respiratory difficulties associated to their respiratory virus.

For more details please visit the CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html

Reference:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2014, October 21). Enterovirus D68. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html