The number of states reporting confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is up to 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments.
The CDC says from mid-August to September 17, 2014, a total of 140 people from 16 states were confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. The 16 states are Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The cases of EV-D68 infection were confirmed by the CDC or state public health laboratories that notified CDC.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Health said the CDC confirmed New Jersey’s first case of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Typically, EV-D68 causes upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and body/muscle aches and possibly low-grade fever. Infected individuals generally recover on their own without incident. However, some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, may experience severe complications and require hospitalization with supportive therapy.
“If you, or your child, are experiencing cold like symptoms and are having difficulty breathing, contact your health care provider right away,” said NJ Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
