If you’ve seen the news at all lately, you’ve probably seen the reports of kids being hospitalized with a “mystery illness.” But it’s not really a mystery. It’s an infection with a virus called enterovirus D68 (also EV-D68).
Enteroviruses are very common, but this one is extremely rare. Only a few people have had a confirmed infection with it since it was discovered in 1962.
But suddenly it’s cropped up across the country.
So should you be worried?
No, but you should be aware that serious illness is possible, especially in children. And especially if they already have another condition that affects the respiratory system, like asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Adults with respiratory problems may also be at higher risk of complications.
What is Enterovirus D68?
It is, obviously a virus called an enterovirus. There are more than 100 different kinds of these viruses. They cause from 10 to 15 million infections every year in the US, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates.
Symptoms of infection can depend on where the infection happens. In your respiratory tract, where this virus tends to attack, they can cause cold-like symptoms. In fact, many summer colds are caused by enteroviruses.
But this particular virus was seen only around two dozen times (confirmed cases) from the time of it’s discovery until 2005. Then in 2009 small outbreaks started popping up in the US and other countries, including Japan and the Netherlands.
Experts haven’t quite figured out why it’s spreading so far and so fast this year. One theory appears to be that it has mutated to spread easier.
Why Are Kids Getting Infected Now?
According to the CDC, summer and fall are the peak seasons for these viruses.
So now is when you’d expect them to be getting sick, with this or any other enterovirus.
Also, with kids going back to school, they’re in closer contact with more people, making it easier to spread the virus. Close contact with an infected person is how most viruses are spread. Also, touching things the sick person touched and then touching your own nose, eyes or mouth. Or being coughed on.
The best way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands often and avoid touching your face if you haven’t washed them. Also, disinfect things you touch a lot, like doorknobs, phones and remotes.
What Are The Symptoms of Infection With EV-D68?
According to the CDC, the virus causes “mild to severe respiratory illness.” This is not really helpful, of course. But there have been so few confirmed cases until recently that we just don’t really know what the symptoms are.
Based on news reports, the most common symptoms in hospitalized patients seem to be cough and trouble breathing, sometimes with wheezing.
Other symptoms common with viral infections may or may not be present. This includes fever and runny nose.
Some children apparently have a rash that seems to disappear when you press on it. Then it pops back up when you stop pressing.
But most viral infections can cause the same symptoms. So there’s no way to be sure it’s EV-D68 without testing. And for most people it probably won’t really matter, because their illnesses are likely to be very mild.
Where are People Getting Sick?
For now, the confirmed and suspected cases seem to be in the Midwest and Southeast.
Missouri (Kansas City) and Illinois (Chicago) were the first two states with confirmed cases of EV-D68.
Since then, four additional states have confirmed cases: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Kentucky.
Other states have seen an increase in patients with respiratory problems that may be EV-D68. These include Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma and Utah.
The CDC is helping states test suspected cases, and more cases could be confirmed in the coming days.
Even if you’re not in the states affected, it could still spread. And you or your child could be infected.
How Dangerous is Enterovirus D68?
There doesn’t appear to be any reason to panic. Sniffles and a cough is still most likely a cold. And most people will most likely get only minor illnesses even from EV-D68.
Your body can easily fight most viruses, including enteroviruses. You may feel sick for a few days or weeks, but then your body clears the infection. Sometimes it may not even make you sick.
But obviously some people, especially children and teenagers get very sick. So if you or your child starts having trouble breathing, getting medical attention may be your best bet.
Since this virus hasn’t been seen or studied much until recently, experts aren’t completely sure how bad it can get. They do believe people who already have respiratory problems, like asthma, may be more likely to have a serious illness and need to go to the hospital.
Even in the hospital, there’s no treatment or cure. Your body still has to do the work to clear the infection. But doctors can make sure you get oxygen if you need it and other treatments to keep you comfortable until the worst of the symptoms have passed.
Learning More About EV-D68
Since not much is known about this virus, learning more is hard. Most news stories contain the same information. And sources like the CDC have only a little information specific to this virus.
Even so, if you’re trying to learn more, the links in the story go to CDC pages. You might also wan to explore the CDC’s Non-Polio Enterovirus section.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- WebMD’s Enterovirus D68: What Parents Need to Know
- Medscape’s Clusters of acute Respiratory Illness Associated With Human Enterovirus 68
For now, it seems like we should be aware that this virus is spreading and be aware that it could be serious for some people. But unless you or your child is in a high-risk group, don’t worry too much. And even if you are at higher risk, don’t panic. You know your child best. So watch for unusual symptoms, especially breathing problems.