An outbreak of the rare, usually non-lethal enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) has spread to at least 40 states since first appearing at a children's hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday. The CDC has confirmed 472 infections, but the true number is almost certainly in the thousands. Of those cases, four people died, including a 10-year-old girl in Rhode Island who also reportedly had an infection of the bacteria staphylococcus aureus sepsis.
The disease has mostly afflicted children, especially those with asthma and other conditions. EV-D68 starts out like a common cold, with fever and a bad cough, but can then lead to breathing difficulties. Some children are also exhibiting paralysis and muscle weakness, the CDC said. If your child has a bad cold and suddenly has trouble breathing, it's time to go the emergency room.
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