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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi health officials have confirmed the state's first case of a virus that causes respiratory illness in children.
The Mississippi State Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed a case of enterovirus D68 in Hancock County. Health officials say the child was hospitalized and has since recovered.
Enterovirus-D68 is a more virulent strain of the virus that causes the common cold. It has shown up in 22 other states since mid-August. The virus can cause mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support for breathing difficulties. Children with asthma are more vulnerable. No deaths have been reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infants, children and teenagers are more likely to become infected because they do not have immunity to the virus.
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