CDC Investigates Another Death of Child with Enterovirus 68
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Fuse/Thinkstock(HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J.) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed another death linked to the enterovirus 68.
A New Jersey preschooler, who died last week, tested positive for the disease, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The medical examiner listed the 4-year-old’s cause of death as enterovirus, Hamilton Township Health Officer Jeff Plunkett said Saturday.
At least four other patients, who tested positive for the enterovirus 68, have died, according to the CDC. However, government health officials are still investigating whether the virus played a role in their deaths.
Another child in Rhode Island died last week from a combination of bacterial and viral infections. The Rhode Island Department of Health said the 10-year-old girl died of Staphylococcus aureus sepis “associated with” enterovirus 68.
The respiratory disease is suspected of sickening children in at least 43 states, according to the CDC. The virus often starts out similar to a common cold with patients usually complaining of coughing or a runny nose. In rare cases the respiratory problems can become severe, particularly for asthmatic patients.
In Colorado, CDC and local health officials are investigating whether limb weakness and paralysis reported in nine children was associated with the enterovirus 68.
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