The state Department of Public Health today received notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a confirmed case of enterovirus D68 infection involving a Connecticut child.

The child, who was recently hospitalized, has since improved and been discharged, the health department said in a news release.

DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen is advising parents and health care providers to be aware of the symptoms of this respiratory illness. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and body and muscle aches. Patients who are very ill with the virus have difficulty breathing and may or may not have fever or wheezing. Many of the children with severe illness caused by this virus have had asthma or wheezing in the past.

"If your child is sick with a cold and having difficulty breathing, or their symptoms are getting worse, then contact your health care provider right away," Mullen said. “If your child has asthma, make sure to follow the care plan your health care provider has already outlined.”

The preventive steps people can take to avoid becoming ill and the treatment are similar to those of most respiratory illnesses such as the flu. Good hand hygiene is the best defense against getting infected with enterovirus. Preventive measures include washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick; and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Given this confirmed case of illness caused by enterovirus D68 in Connecticut, reports of similar illnesses involving children at other Connecticut hospitals and confirmed cases in New York State and New Jersey, it is likely this virus is already causing respiratory illnesses in many places across the state, the health department said.

The department said it is working with health care providers and local health departments to closely monitor for increases in respiratory illnesses in hospitals. Laboratory specimens from patients with respiratory illnesses that could be due to the virus at four other Connecticut hospitals are in the process of being sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing, the health department said. Health officials said they expect to receive more reports of respiratory illness that may be related to the virus.