Watch Your Children for Respiratory Virus

The powerful Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has arrived in California, landing four children in hospital intensive care units, the California Department of Health (CDPH) reported Thursday. These are the first confirmed cases in California this year, following reports of hospitals swamped with sick children in the Central United States over the past several weeks.

More suspected cases here in California are being tested.

The virus starts out with typical cold symptoms. However, some children go downhill rapidly. The CDPH, in a prepared statement, cautions, “Parents should seek medical attention immediately for children who are having any breathing difficulty (wheezing, difficulty speaking or eating, belly pulling in with breaths, blueness around the lips), particularly if the child suffers from asthma.”

No deaths have been attributed to the outbreak.

The virus is spread through coughs, sneezes, or when the sick person touches contaminated surfaces.

“We are not surprised to find EV-D68 causing some illnesses in California given the apparent widespread nature of this virus in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer. All of the confirmed cases are in Southern California.

There is no immunization against EV-D68.