Medical providers at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford are treating suspected cases of Enterovirus D68, the mysterious respiratory illness that have stricken children in a dozen states, according to a spokesperson for the hospital.
Hospital officials said lately they've seen an unusual increase in the number of children being rushed to the emergency room with respiratory illnesses.
Children exhibiting symptoms of the virus have been tested for Enterovirus D68 and will receive the results on Monday, according to the hospital. Fewer than 10 kids are suspected of having contracted the disease.
There is no known vaccine for the illness, which was first identified in California in 1962, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disease most commonly affects children and teenagers, especially those with asthma. It's spread through saliva and mucus, and officials say schools can serve as incubators.
Symptoms include wheezing and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC.
No fatalities have been linked to Enterovirus 68, but the virus has recently sent hundreds of patients to the hospital in 12 states.
