Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with a Nationwide Outbreak of Enterovirus D68—United States, 2014

Key Objectives:
To review the epidemiology of the 2014 EV-D68 outbreak, the clinical characteristics of EV-D68 respiratory illness, and to discuss surveillance strategies going forward.

Brief Summary:
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has been infrequently reported historically, and is typically associated with isolated cases or small clusters of respiratory illness. Epidemiologic information and clinical characteristics have been limited. Beginning in August 2014, increases in severe respiratory illness associated with EV-D68 were reported.  EV-D68 may cause widespread, severe respiratory illness. Increased disease severity in asthmatics highlights the importance of regular assessment of asthma management plans. Maintaining preparedness for emerging respiratory diseases requires clinician awareness, robust, flexible surveillance systems and laboratory and epidemiology capacity at all levels of public health.