By WKRN-News 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The recent national outbreak of the Enterovirus D68 could spread to Tennessee, according to state health officials.
The respiratory virus claimed its first victim, a 4-year-old boy in New Jersey, according to News 2.
Health officials said two weeks ago, the preschooler stayed home from school with pinkeye, went to sleep one night and never woke up.
Other victims include a 10-year-old Rhode Island girl who died last week after she became infected.
The CDC is reporting more than 500 cases of Enterovirus D68 across 43 states.
So far, no cases have been confirmed in Tennessee but state health officials said it’s only a matter of time before the state sees the virus.
Hospital officials said there could be undiagnosed cases of Enterovirus in Shelby County and the two children in question may have come in contact with something in the past six months.