Enterovirus D68:

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a type of enterovirus that circulates in the United States. Enteroviruses are similar to rhinoviruses, the cause of the common cold. Most people experience mild respiratory disease as a result of infection, but rarely, people may develop more severe illness, especially if they also have underlying or chronic respiratory conditions. There is no specific treatment available for EV-D68, but a healthcare provider may be able to help you control your symptoms. People with severe respiratory symptoms, such as trouble breathing, should always seek medical care. There was a large outbreak of EV-D68 in the United States in 2014. A small percentage of people with EV-D68 also developed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a condition characterized by partial or full limb weakness. The link between EV-D68 and AFM is still being investigated, and EV-D68 is not the only disease that can cause AFM.

During the 2014 outbreak of EV-D68, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) tested 41 patients, identifying 11 cases. No deaths were identified, and none of the cases had AFM. For 2016, increases in EV-D68 have been noted in several states. EV-D68 is not a reportable disease in North Dakota, so the North Dakota Department of Health does not track EV-D68 cases routinely. During the 2014 outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a laboratory test for EV-D68, and shared that test with the states. Testing for EV-D68 is available to health care providers at the NDDoH Division of Laboratory Services for a fee. See North Dakota Laboratory Testing Information for more information on laboratory testing.