Health: As Rare Virus Spreads Across U.S., Health Officials Urge Doctors To Be On The Lookout

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A rare but serious respiratory virus is sickening children across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling on doctors to be on the lookout for it.

State health departments tell Eyewitness News they aren't aware of any cases in our area, but health officials say it could spread here.

3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more on the illness.

"A couple days ago I couldn't breathe at all," said Will Cornejo, one of hundreds of children likely battling Enterovirus 68 or D68. He almost didn't make it.

"White as a ghost, blue lips. He just passed out, had his eyes rolled back in his head, had to call 911," said Jennifer Cornejo, Will's mother.

"The D68 causes respiratory illnesses, and then among them are illnesses that are more serious that require hospitalization, particularly if they trigger serious asthma attacks," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist.

The uncommon respiratory illness is contagious and likely spreads through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms mimic the common cold, but the virus can quickly become life-threatening.

"The onset of symptoms is very rapid, usually within hours," said Dr. Raju Meyappan, a pediatric critical care specialist.

The virus is most dangerous in children with asthma and those under the age of five. Intensive care units are crowded with children suspected of having the virus in about a dozen, mostly Midwestern, states.

"Our pediatric floor is full of patients with severe respiratory distress," said Dr. Meyappan.

Despite the tubes, Will is recovering.

"I feel better than I did before," said Will.

Since it's a virus, antibiotics don't work, so doctors can only treat the symptoms, including using supplemental oxygen and medication to keep the lungs working properly.

To stop the spread, doctors urge people to cover coughs and wash their hands with soap and water frequently.

Doctors say the respiratory illness usually isn't fatal. No deaths have been reported in this outbreak.