Family of Preschooler Who Died of Enterovirus Starting Foundation in His Honor

A four-year-old Mercer County student who died of Enterovirus D-68 last week will be honored with a new foundation started by his own family, nj.com reports.

Eli Waller, a pre-schooler from Hamilton Township, died of the disease shortly after being diagnosed with Enterovirus D-68.

Andy Waller issued a statement on Sunday, announcing the creation of the The First Day of School Foundation, which will be a non-profit dedicated to special needs students in his son’s honor.

Andy Waller said his son was both nervous and excited about starting school, according to the report.

The full text of the statement is available by clicking here.

Throughout the state, there have been nine confirmed cases of Enterovirus D-68.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 472 cases of EV-D68 have been confirmed in 41 states and the District of Columbia since mid-August.

This is the first death in the nation that has been linked to the virus.

Typically, EV-D68 causes upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and body/muscle aches and possibly low-grade fever.

If children become ill, parents should consult with their health care provider.

New Jersey, like the rest of the U.S., is in the middle of the respiratory virus season.

Many different viruses are common this time of year, including influenza, rhinovirus and more than 100 other types of enteroviruses.