{"id":5681,"date":"2018-09-05T14:31:20","date_gmt":"2018-09-05T18:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/?page_id=5681"},"modified":"2025-08-06T19:42:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T23:42:15","slug":"enterovirus-d68-infection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/epidemiology\/epidemiology-fact-sheets\/enterovirus-d68-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Enterovirus D68 Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is enterovirus D68 infection?<\/h2>\n

Enterovirus D68 (or EV-D68) infection is a respiratory infection caused by EV-D68, a type of enterovirus. There are over 100 types of enteroviruses and about 10\u201315 million enterovirus infections occur each year in the United States. These viruses are most common during the summer and fall, though it is possible to become infected year-round.<\/p>\n

Who gets EV-D68 infection?<\/h2>\n

In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get enterovirus infections and become ill. This is because they may not have immunity (protection) from previous exposures. Children with asthma might have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection. Adults can become infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms.<\/p>\n

How is EV-D68 infection spread?<\/h2>\n

Because EV-D68 infection causes respiratory illness, the virus can be found in an infected person\u2019s saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. EV-D68 likely spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface that is then touched by others. It can also be spread through contact with infected poop (like not washing hands well enough after changing a diaper or using the bathroom).<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of EV-D68 infection?<\/h2>\n

EV-D68 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, or no symptoms at all. Mild symptoms can include runny nose, sneezing, cough, body aches, and muscle aches. Serious symptoms can include wheezing and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, EV-D68 can cause acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a dangerous neurological condition. Mostly affecting children, the symptoms of AFM include, arm or leg weakness, pain in the neck, back, arms, or legs, difficulty swallowing or slurred speech, difficulty moving the eyes or drooping eyelids, facial droop or weakness.<\/p>\n

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?<\/h2>\n

Symptoms usually appear 3\u20136 days after exposure.<\/p>\n

How is EV-D68 infection diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

EV-D68 infection can be diagnosed by doing specific laboratory tests on nose, throat, or blood samples. Many hospitals and some doctor\u2019s offices can test ill patients to see if they have enterovirus infection. Specific testing to determine the type of enterovirus, like EV-D68, is available only through certain labs.<\/p>\n

What is the treatment for EV-D68 infection?<\/h2>\n

There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infection. Some people with severe EV-D68 infections might need to be hospitalized to receive intensive supportive treatment.<\/p>\n

Do people who have been in contact with someone with EV-D68 infection need to be tested and treated?<\/h2>\n

Contacts of people with EV-D68 infection do not need to be tested.\u00a0 Contacts who develop symptoms should talk to their healthcare provider as needed to manage their illness.<\/p>\n

How can EV-D68 infection be prevented?<\/h2>\n

There are several steps to take to prevent EV-D68 infection:<\/p>\n