The number of states with confirmed cases of the cause of the potentially serious respiratory illness, Enterovirus D68, has grown to at least 10 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today.
The federal health agency says from mid-August to September 15, 2014, a total of 104 people in 10 states (Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and New York) have been confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.
In addition, CNN reports today that a spokesman from the Montana Department of Health said, “A specimen sent to the CDC from a child under the age of 10 has tested positive for the particular strain of enterovirus.”
There are also about another dozen states reporting clusters of respiratory illness they suspect may be due to this rarely seen enterovirus. Since this typically a summer to fall disease, they expect cases to decline later in the fall.
The CDC says in general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses, including EV-D68 and become ill. That’s because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses.
Health officials recommend the following practices to prevent this respiratory illness: Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
For more information on the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of EV-D68, the CDC will be hosting a Clinician Outreach Communication Activity (COCA) Tuesday to go over these specific topics.
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