CDC Media Release

From mid-August to September 29, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 443 people from 40 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. The 40 states include Kansas Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

CDC is prioritizing testing of specimens from children with severe respiratory illness. Of the specimens tested by CDC lab, about half have tested positive for EV-D68. About one third have tested positive for an enterovirus or rhinovirus other than EV-D68.

The Associated Press reports Colorado health officials have confirmed a 10th case of paralysis-like symptoms in a child.

Dr. Larry Wolk, director of the Department of Public Health and Environment, said Monday all 10 cases are being handled by Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora. Six of the 10 children have been discharged from the hospital.

The Denver Post reports most of them were ill before being stricken with a respiratory illness.

Eight of the nine children originally diagnosed with myelitis — an infection or inflammation of the spinal cord — were tested for viral outbreaks. Four tested positive for enterovirus 68, and the other four tested positive for rhinovirus or another enterovirus. No information was given for the 10th child.

The cases come amid an unusual wave of enterovirus 68, which can cause paralysis.