Overview Of Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms that range from mild to severe.
EV-D68 was first discovered in 1962. Until 2014, this virus was not common in the United States. In 2014, an outbreak occurred across the country in nearly every state. Many more cases have occurred than in years past. Nearly all have been in children.
Commonly Associated With
Non-polio enterovirus
Symptoms Of Enterovirus D68
Symptoms can be mild or severe.
Mild symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Body and muscle aches
Severe symptoms of enterovirus D68 include:
- Wheezing
- Difficulty Breathing
Exams & Tests
EV-D68 can be diagnosed by testing fluid samples taken from the throat or nose. Samples must be sent to a special lab for testing. Tests often aren’t done unless someone has a severe illness with unknown cause.
Treatment Of Enterovirus D68
There is no specific treatment for EV-D68. In most cases, the illness will go away on its own. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines for pain and fever. DO NOT give aspirin to children under the age of 18.
People with severe breathing problems should go to the hospital. They will receive treatment to help relieve symptoms.
