4-Year-Old Enterovirus Victim Died In His Sleep; Showed No Symptoms

The New Jersey preschooler who died of enterovirus 68 died in his sleep without showing symptoms, health officials say.

The death of 4-year-old Eli Waller is the first death in the nation that has been linked to the virus, but health officials say he went to bed with no symptoms, according to ABC News.

Symptoms include cold-like symptoms and can wheezing and breathing problems.

On Monday, his family announced it will honor him with a new foundation, nj.com reports.

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 family’s 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.

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.

Photo: From ABC News video