Boise wastewater data shows rising enterovirus D68 levels
Wastewater testing in the Boise area has detected high levels of enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that has been trending upward for 21 days. While most infections cause mild symptoms like coughs and body aches, the virus can rarely lead to acute flaccid myelitis, a dangerous neurological condition causing paralysis. Children under seven are at the highest risk for this severe complication, which can appear weeks after the initial infection resolves. There is no vaccine or direct treatment available, so prevention relies on standard respiratory hygiene measures.