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HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (AP) — Health officials on Long Island's Suffolk County have confirmed four cases of a sometimes severe respiratory virus affecting children around the country.
The county Health Services Department said Friday that the four children who tested positive for enterovirus D68 were hospitalized, but have since been released. All are under 9. Some more samples are being tested.
The federal Centers for Disease Control have logged cases of the virus since mid-August in 40 states. It's been seen elsewhere in New York.
The virus causes mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support. Health officials say enteroviruses are common, but this strain is rarely seen, and this year's outbreak is unusually severe.
The virus primarily affects young children. Most recover without lasting problems.
Prevention includes hand-washing and disinfecting surfaces.
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