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Child in Rhode Island dies of infection related to enterovirus D68

There have been 472 confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 in 41 states.

By Aileen Graef
A strain of enterovirus. (CC/Redijs)
A strain of enterovirus. (CC/Redijs)

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Rhode Island health officials confirmed Wednesday that a child has died from Staphylococcus aureus sepsis in conjunction with enterovirus D68.

The combination of the two conditions is rare and known to cause severe illness in children and adults. The name, age and gender of the child has not been disclosed.

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"We are all heartbroken to hear about the death of one of Rhode Island's children," said Dr. Michael Fine, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. "Many of us will have EV-D68. Most of us will have very mild symptoms and all but very few will recover quickly and completely. The vast majority of children exposed to EV-D68 recover completely."

There is no vaccine for EV-D68, but health officials say most cases will only result in a runny nose and fever. Fine recommends people get a flu shot as soon as possible as the best method of prevention.

There have been 472 confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 in 41 states.

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