The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection in 14 patients in 2014 as of Oct. 1.

Public domain image/National Atlas of the United States
Public domain image/National Atlas of the United States

San Diego has seen the most confirmed cases with five. In addition, Alameda (2), Los Angeles (1), Riverside (1), San Francisco (1), Santa Cruz (1), Solano (1), and Ventura (1) counties, and Long Beach City (1) have reported confirmed cases.

Thirteen of these patients have had respiratory illness and one has had acute flaccid paralysis; however, it is not known whether EV-D68 was a cause of paralysis or a coincidental finding.

Related: Colorado hospital reports 11th child with unexplained paralysis, Enterovirus 68 testing pending

“We are not surprised to find EV-D68 causing some illnesses in California given the apparent widespread nature of this virus in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer.

Nationally, from mid-August to October 6, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 594 people in 43 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.