HARTFORD — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has been notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of 12 new laboratory-confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 infection (EV-D68).

The new cases are all pediatric patients from three Connecticut hospitals, including two at Danbury Hospital, according to Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert.

All patients have recovered and been discharged. It is not known if the two Danbury Hospital cases were from the Newtown District.

Ms Culbert told The Bee, "Looking at CDC's webpage and map indicating 40 states now have confirmed cases, its reasonable to think that some of our residents have or will have EV-D68 at some point.

"Remember, EV-D68 is one of more than one hundred enteroviruses," Ms Culbert added. "The most important thing to do is to be informed and take precautions."

The Health District wants residents suffering from severe respiratory symptoms reach out to their primary health care provider or Kevin's Community Center, Newtown's public health clinic.

Earlier this month, DPH announced the first confirmed case of EV-D68 in a Connecticut child.

DPH advises 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 EV-D68 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.

The preventive steps people can take to avoid becoming ill and the treatment are similar to those of most respiratory illnesses like the flu. Good hand hygiene is your best defense against getting infected with enterovirus:

*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

*Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

According to the CDC, EV-D68 has been reported in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Connecticut health officials said it is likely this virus is causing respiratory illnesses in many places across Connecticut.

The DPH is working with health care providers and local health departments to closely monitor for increases in respiratory illnesses in hospitals across the state.

Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. In the United States, people are more likely to get infected with enteroviruses in the summer and fall.

Connecticut is currently in the middle of the enterovirus season, and there is no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for enterovirus infections according to the DPH.

The Newtown Health District webpage has information on EV-D68 and also where to get flu shots this month. Readers can also, can visit for more info on EV-D68 and the Flu.cdc.gov

This report was updated with new information after its initial posting September 30.