The King County Department of Health has posted information about the Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) outbreak.
The DOH site explains that enteroviruses are very common viruses that can cause respiratory illness, fever and rash, and neurologic illnesses, such as aseptic meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain); there are more than 100 types of enteroviruses.
Approximately 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur in the United States each year. Most people infected with enteroviruses have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious. Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become sick.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is causing outbreaks of respiratory infection in multiple US states this year. The outbreaks are resulting in significant numbers of children requiring emergency department visits and hospitalizations, primarily for difficulties with breathing and severe asthma. Children with asthma appear to be more susceptible to serious illness from EV-D68.
For more, go to http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/EnterovirusD68.aspx
