What is enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)?

What is enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)?

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a contagious virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly in children and teens. But adults can get it, too. It typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Unless you or your child are very sick, you might not know you have EV-D68.

Some people who get the virus develop life-threatening respiratory problems. A small number of children with EV-D68 infections develop a nervous system disorder called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). This disorder causes extreme muscle weakness. Rarely, a child with AFM has permanent paralysis.