The Oklahoma State Department of Health says tests confirm a virus is causing respiratory illness in some children in this state.
The department says numerous cases were suspected to be caused byenterovirusD68, a relatively rare virus, but now tests have returned positive. It had been confirmed in 11 other states, including Missouri, Kansas and Colorado.
The Centers for Disease Control says seven of 24 specimens submitted from Oklahoma hospitals and laboratories tested positive for the virus. The virus has been associated with an increase in pediatric admissions at hospitals in central Oklahoma.
Symptoms of the virus are similar to the common cold, but the illness can rapidly progress in severity and cause wheezing and difficulty breathing.
State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley says children under 5 and children with underlying asthma appear to be at the greatest risk of having medical complications.
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