First case of Enterovirus D68 hits Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – The Arkansas Department of Health reported its first case of Enterovirus D68 on Monday. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported 160 cases in 22 states since mid-August.
"We have a number of suspected cases actually through the northern part of Arkansas and this is the first case that we've gotten the sample results back on that this virus is also in Arkansas, as we suspected," said Dr. Gary Wheeler, Medical Director for Infectious Disease Branch, Arkansas Department of Health.
The virus mimics the common cold with symptoms like sniffling, congestion, and fever. Enterovirus D68 also comes with shortness of breath, fast breathing, and severe coughing.