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Montana Confirms 1 Case of Rare Children’s Virus

Child from Yellowstone County remained hospitalized Wednesday with enterovirus D-68

By Molly Priddy

BILLINGS — State health officials have confirmed that a rare virus suspected in the hospitalization of hundreds of children in at least 10 states has reached Montana.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services says a child under age 10 from Yellowstone County remained hospitalized Wednesday with enterovirus D-68.

The virus can cause mild cold-like symptoms including runny noses, coughing and wheezing but health officials say some cases have led to serious breathing problems, particularly in children with asthma. Some children have been treated in intensive care units.

DPHHS spokesman Jon Ebelt tells The Billings Gazette that the state agency expects to receive requests for additional testing as suspected cases are investigated.

Cases have been confirmed in Missouri, Illinois and Colorado and are suspected in a handful of other states including Idaho and North and South Dakota.