UPDATE 9/23/14 @ 5:45 p.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Since the middle of August, Enterovirus 68 has affected 175 people across the country. Now, the respiratory illness, with no specific treatment or vaccine, has been confirmed in West Virginia.

The CDC confirmed four cases of the virus in Wirt, Wood, and Greenbrier counties on Monday. All four of the patients are children. Several other samples have been sent out for testing, including some from Kanawha County. Officials are still waiting for the results of those tests.

"What we're finding is an overwhelming number of children who get this disease will probably suffer like a cold," said Dr. Rahul Gupta, executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department.

Dr. Gupta said most patients won't be able to tell the difference between this virus and a common cold, and they should be treated the same.

"Rest. Plenty of fluids. Maybe some Tylenol, if appropriate."

For some, though, especially children with a history of respiratory problems, it can be much worse.

"Difficulty breathing. Wheezing. Maybe for smaller children, their face will turn blue. At that point, it's time to get help and get help quickly."

So far, no Enterovirus 68 cases have been confirmed in Kanawha County. That's not stopping school officials from being proactive about the dangers, though.

"We're making sure that schools are paying attention to cleanliness," said Brenda Isaac, lead school nurse for Kanawha County. "Keeping the bathrooms clean. Making sure the kids are doing good hand washing."

Dr. Gupta said that is the right approach.

"That's a source of pride in our counties, actually," he said. "We do a really good job in schools, and they should be commended for that."

Isaac also recommends that parents make sure their kids go to bed on time in order to get plenty of sleep, as well as eating a healthy diet with plenty of Vitamin C. She also said schools are making sure to clean computers, keyboards, and iPads in between uses to prevent the spread of any illnesses.

---

UPDATE 9/22/14 @ 9:30 p.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Federal health officials have confirmed four West Virginia cases of a respiratory virus in children.

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added West Virginia to the list of states affected by enterovirus 68. CDC has confirmed 175 people from 27 states have the respiratory illness.

Thirty-two samples were sent to the CDC from Calhoun, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, Raleigh, Wirt and Wood counties.

Mild symptoms could include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and body and muscle aches. People with asthma or a history of wheezing problems may experience difficulty breathing. Children have been particularly susceptible.

Only CDC and a small number of state public health laboratories can test for the virus.

The worst cases have required life support for breathing difficulties. No deaths have been reported.

---

ORIGINAL STORY 9/22/14 @ 4:17 p.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Health Officials in West Virginia confirm four cases of Enterovirus 68 in the state.

The Department of Health and Human Resources says they just received testing results that were sent to the CDC.

Of the 32 specimen samples, gathered from Calhoun, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, Raleigh, Wirt, and Wood counties, four of them came back positive.

The virus has infected 160 people in 23 states, including West Virginia, since mid-August.

Enterovirus 68 causes respiratory illnesses and can be found in respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum.Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Those with asthma or a history of wheezing may experience difficulty breathing.

"Enterovirus D68 infections are thought to be less common than other types of enteroviruses, but confirmation of the virus being found in West Virginia was not surprising," said Dr. Letitia Tierney, State Health Officer and Commissioner for the Bureau for Public Health. "EV-D68 was first identified in 1962 in California and is not frequently reported. EV-D68 is less studied than other viruses, however, according to CDC, it likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces."

Dr. Tierney said residents should pay close attention to their respiratory status as difficulty breathing and wheezing can be a symptom.

There are no specific treatments for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. For mild symptoms, over the counter medications may be useful. Others with a more severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 may need to be hospitalized and receive intensive support therapy.

There are no anti-viral medications currently available for those infected with EV-D68 nor are there any vaccines to prevent infections of EV-D68. Since people with asthma are at greater risk for respiratory illnesses, they should regularly take medicines and follow guidance to maintain control of their illness during this time.

Dr. Tierney advises residents to follow standard hygiene practices of washing hands with soap and water frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and to get a flu shot this year.