Respiratory Virus Affects Hundreds Of Children Across The Midwest

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -- With cases of a respiratory virus affecting kids mounting, parental concern is rising as well. The E-68 Virus has sent hundreds of children to the hospital -- some needing ICU care.

Dr. Edward Walton with Beaumont Children's Hospital explained what makes this virus different.

"There are hundreds of different types of Enteroviruses," Walton said. "It's just that this particular strain seems to cause a respiratory outbreak, which can be associated with the wheezing and the respiratory difficulties."

The CDC is looking into potential cases of the E-68 respiratory virus in Michigan. The outbreak -- which is mostly in the plains states -- has sent hundreds of kids to the hospital with about 15 percent needing to be put into ICU.

"If the parents are concerned, if it seems like their child has an increase of work of breathing, like the skin is tugging between their ribs or they're breathing quickly, or just not acting right, then it's time to reach out," Walton said.

Walton said that the illness presents like a cold, but when the kid starts having a hard time breathing -- that's when it is time to take them in to be seen.

Walton asks parents to not worry about having their child tested for the Enterovirus, because it doesn't change how physicians will handle treatment.

[Click HERE for more information about Enterovirus 68 from the CDC]