“As of September 14, 2016, eight children, including six under the age of two, have had confirmed EV-D68 infections,” said Dr. Mel Krajden, the Medical Director of the Public Health Laboratory. 

EV-D68 is a virus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness. Most people with enterovirus infections have only mild, cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. More severe cases can include neurological complications such as muscle weakness or paralysis. People with asthma and other lung conditions are more susceptible to more serious complications. 

BCCDC is reminding British Columbians to take precautions, including cleaning your hands regularly and staying home when ill, to protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses that typically circulate at this time of year.

 

You can read the full news release on the BCCDC website; they have additional resources (including a FAQ) on their EV-D68 web page.