Doctors have identified more than 100 different enteroviruses over the past several decades, but one particular illness is believed to be to blame for an unusually high number of hospitalizations lately.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed cases of the EV-D68 virus and a dozen states have contacted the Center for Disease Control for assistance in investigating.

Guthrie County Hospital Clinics Infection Control Nurse Christine Drake says there’s no vaccination for the enterovirus and this particular one is most often seen in children, especially those with respiratory problems such as asthma.

Like many illnesses, especially during cold and flu season, Drake says there are some simple things you can do to help prevent the spread of the illness such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, not touching your face, mouth or nose and not sharing eating utensils.

Drake says anytime you notice your children having repertory distress or trouble breathing it’s important to get them checked out by a medical professional.