Child Dies from Enterovirus 68 Complications

The Rhode Island Health Department says a child has died from complications of an unusual respiratory virus that has been affecting children across the U.S.

 

Health officials said Wednesday that the child died last week of a staph infection associated with the enterovirus 68 virus, which it called "a very rare combination."

 

Department spokeswoman Christina Batastini says there have been no deaths in Rhode Island directly attributed to enterovirus 68. She said she could not say where the child lived or was treated.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus has been confirmed in 472 people in 41 states and the District of Columbia. So far, no deaths have been attributed to the virus.

 

The virus can cause mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support for breathing difficulties. The strain isn't new but it's rarely seen.