Enterovirus D68 hits California

California health officials recently confirmed the first four cases of a respiratory virus that has been infecting swarms of children across the country. Three children in San Diego County and one in Ventura  County have tested positive for Enterovirus D68 EV-D68), the CDC announced Thursday.

"We are not surprised to find EV-D68 causing some illnesses in California given the apparent widespread nature of this virus in other parts of the country," said state health officer, Dr. Ron Chapman.

Clusters of EV-D68 were first reported in the Midwestern United States last month. The outbreak baffled experts in part because of the high hospitalization rate associated with this strain.

Dr. Beth Ballard of The Youth Clinic in Fort Collins has said there’s nothing particularly novel about the illness, but that it appears to be “just hitting harder” this time.

Symptoms of EV-D68 include mild to severe respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing, and runny nose, as well as fever and muscle aches. Children with asthma and other preexisting conditions are at a  higher risk for serious complications.

Read more about the cases in San Diego and Ventura counties here.