Midwest sees rapidly spreading respiratory virus

September 8, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
National News

Ten states have contacted the CDC in relation to a respiratory virus spreading among children across much of the Midwest. CNN reports that Enterovirus EV-D68 is the illness spreading. Enteroviruses create the same symptoms as the common cold, but this one seems to be much more intense. The virus has sent more than 30 children a day to a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. About 15% of those children admitted were placed in intensive care, reports CNN. The CDC has instructed that children in possibly infected areas should avoid visiting hospitals, in order to stop the virus spreading to patients with unsteady immune systems. Regular hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs and avoiding sharing cups and utensils, as well as disinfecting surfaces, are generally advised practices to avoid the virus.