2014 enterovirus D68 outbreak

2014 Enterovirus D68 Outbreak

The 2014 enterovirus D68 outbreak was a significant public health event in the United States, characterized by a widespread increase in respiratory illnesses caused by the enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). This outbreak primarily affected children and led to increased hospitalizations across the country.

Map showing confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68 in the United States during the 2014 outbreak

Background

Enterovirus D68 is a member of the Picornaviridae family, which includes other enteroviruses such as poliovirus and coxsackievirus. EV-D68 was first identified in California in 1962, but it remained relatively rare until the 2014 outbreak. The virus is known to cause mild to severe respiratory illness, and it spreads through respiratory secretions like saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum.

Outbreak Details

The outbreak began in mid-August 2014 and quickly spread across the United States. By the end of the year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had confirmed over 1,000 cases of EV-D68 infection. The virus was detected in 49 states, with the highest number of cases reported in the Midwest.

The symptoms of EV-D68 infection ranged from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress. Children with asthma or other underlying respiratory conditions were particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes. The outbreak led to increased hospital admissions, with some children requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation.

Clinical Presentation

Patients infected with EV-D68 typically presented with symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body aches. In severe cases, patients experienced wheezing and difficulty breathing. The virus was also associated with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious condition characterized by sudden onset of limb weakness.

Public Health Response

The CDC and state health departments worked together to monitor the outbreak and provide guidance to healthcare providers. Public health officials emphasized the importance of infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, to prevent the spread of the virus.

Healthcare providers were advised to consider EV-D68 in patients with severe respiratory illness, especially in children with asthma. Diagnostic testing for EV-D68 was conducted at specialized laboratories, as the virus is not detectable by routine respiratory virus panels.

Impact

The 2014 EV-D68 outbreak highlighted the need for improved surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for non-polio enteroviruses. It also underscored the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations from respiratory viruses.

Related Pages

• Enterovirus
• Acute flaccid myelitis
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Respiratory illness