Enterovirus 68 caused death of New Jersey child Eli Waller, say officials
A virus that has been causing severe respiratory illness across the US was responsible for the death of a four-year-old boy in New Jersey, a state medical examiner determined.
A virus that has been causing severe respiratory illness across the US was responsible for the death of a four-year-old boy in New Jersey, a state medical examiner determined.
Hamilton Township health officer Jeff Plunkett said the Mercer County medical examiner's office found the death of Eli Waller was the result of enterovirus 68. The virus has affected more than 500 people in 43 states and Washington - mostly children.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that four people infected with the virus had died, but it was unclear what role the virus played in the deaths.
Some children are especially vulnerable to infection because of pre-existing conditions, though the medical examiner said that was not the case in the New Jersey boy's death.
Most of the severe cases nationwide have involved children because they have not been exposed to enteroviruses as often as adults and are less likely to have developed immunity.
The enterovirus germ is not new and most people who catch the virus experience only a runny nose and a fever. This year, the virus has been linked to hundreds of severe illnesses. Beginning last month, hospitals in Kansas City, Missouri and Chicago have received a flood of children with breathing problems.
