(Above image: A non-polio enterovirus as seen under a microscope)

The U.S. death toll from the mysterious Enterovirus D-68 continues to rise.

The latest CDC update on the current outbreak of the polio-like Enterovirus D-68 states that it has now been detected “in specimens from eight patients who died and had samples submitted for testing.” That’s one more death than was disclosed in last week’s update. The CDC account does not provide any information as to where the patient died and does not disclose his/her name, age or other details.

[quote]Additionally, EV-D68 has spread to one additional state and the District of Columbia since last week.–CDC[/quote]

According to the latest weekly update from CDC, 167 more people have been sickened with EV-D68 in the past week: a total of 973 patients in 47 states and the District of Columbia. That’s up from last week’s total of 796 people in 46 states.

The respiratory illness can cause paralysis. The outbreak is likely more widespread than reported since some states are not lab testing all respiratory illnesses to confirm. Most cases are said to be mild.

EV-D68 was recently confirmed for the first time in Gainesville, Florida. The child fully recovered.

Read the latest CDC info on Enterovirus D-68

Read other Enterovirus D-68 stories here