3 Cases of Rare Respiratory Virus Confirmed in Michigan

Three cases of a rare respiratory virus that recently has been affecting children across the country have been confirmed in Michigan, Lansing News/MLive reports.

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The Michigan Department of Community Health is still investigating where the cases of the enterovirus D68 strain (EV-D68) originated in the state, but one case has been confirmed in Kent County, the report stated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed 175 people affected by the virus in 27 states since mid-August, the report added.

The enterovirus strain attacks the respiratory system and can bring on wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever and an elevated heart rate, the report stated. Asthmatic children are particularly vulnerable to EV-D68, and the state has noticed an increase in the hospitalization of children with respiratory illness, the report added.

Spread of the virus is through close contact with contaminated objects or people who are infected, the report stated. Health officials are urging people—especially those who might be especially susceptible to the virus—to wash their hands with soap and water frequently and avoid contact with sick people, the report added.