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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Health officials investigate severe respiratory illness in Spokane child

Staff reports
Health officials in Spokane County are investigating a child with a severe respiratory illness. It is not confirmed if the child has enterovirus D68, the illness that has stricken children in at least 10 states. The Spokane Regional Health District said severe respiratory illness displays symptoms akin to the common cold, including sneezing, a runny nose and cough. Some children may have difficulty breathing and perhaps develop a rash. The virus can spread quickly and parents, especially those with children who have asthma or breathing problems, are urged to take their child to the doctor if the child has unexpected breathing difficulties. Severe cases of EV-D68 have been reported in Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky. There is no vaccine.