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Mystery Virus Among Children Prompts Hospital Restrictions

Last updated on Friday, September 5, 2014

(QUINCY, Ill.) - A respiratory virus that’s spreading among children has prompted restrictions at an Illinois hospital.

The virus causes symptoms similar to the common cold and can make it hard for children to breathe. Officials said doctors at Blessing Emergency Center saw more than 70 children affected by the virus over Labor Day weekend. Seven of them were admitted.

As a result, children under the age of 12 are prohibited from visiting patients at Blessing Hospital. Doctors haven't identified the virus but said it could be the same one that caused similar outbreaks in St. Louis and Kansas City a week ago. That outbreak was attributed to HEV68.

The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The virus may also be to blame for an usually high number of respiratory illnesses reported in Ohio, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

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