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Massachusetts Reports 1st Case Of Enterovirus D68

State health officials say a case of an unusual respiratory virus affecting children around the country has been confirmed in an 8-year-old southeastern Massachusetts girl.

Department of Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett said Tuesday the girl has a history of asthma. She was hospitalized and has recovered. Boston Children's Hospital said the child was treated there.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that from mid-August through Monday there have been 175 lab-confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 in 27 states, not including Massachusetts.

State officials said more respiratory virus test samples from Massachusetts are undergoing testing by the CDC to see if they are the D68 strain.

The virus can cause mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support for breathing difficulties. The strain isn't new but it's rarely seen.

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