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.