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Respiratory virus may have spread to Buffalo

A respiratory virus that's sickened hundreds of children in several Midwest states has apparently arrived in Buffalo.

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says the Enterovirus D68 is not a reportable communicable disease. But Burstein says Women and Children's Hospital and local pediatricians have reported seeing an increased number of children, especially those with asthma, become ill with a respiratory virus.

"Since we know that this Enterovirus D68 does cause severe respiratory disease, we believe that that is the pathogen that is causing the severe illness in our community," Burstein said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating clusters in 12 states. Burstein says the virus can present anywhere from a mild cold to severe respiratory disease.

"Unfortunately with this virus there's no vaccine, there's no anti-viral therapy. So, it's just really symptomatic treatment. If somebody has asthma and they do become more ill with their asthma symptoms, it would be treatment with the asthma medication," Burstein said.

Burstein says children with asthma or other chonic lung diseases are at highest risk.

"The most important thing is wash your hands. Wash your hands as much as possible. You can't wash your hands too much with this."