New Jersey has reported 24 confirmed Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) cases so far this season, according to the the New Jersey Department of Health Oct. 21. The following counties have reported cases: Bergen, Burlington, Camden,
Essex, Hudson, Mercer,Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Union.
There has been at least one confirmed EV-D68 linked fatality in a Mercer County child.
Nationally, from mid-August to October 22, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 941 people in 46 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. EV-D68 has been detected in specimens from seven patients who died and had samples submitted for testing.
According to the CDC, in general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill. That’s because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses. They believe this is also true for EV-D68. Adults can get infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.
Related: Pennsylvania, New Jersey report first human West Nile virus cases of 2014
