Parents Facing the 'Other' Deadly Virus

A mother suits up in protective armor to be with her 5-year-old daughter battling the deadly enterovirus D68 that’s sweeping the nation. INSIDE EDITION reports. 

Kim Nichols is suiting up in the hospital with a gown, gloves, and mask, but it's not to protect herself from Ebola. It's to enter the hospital room where her five-year-old daughter is battling that "other" virus afflicting America, enterovirus D68.

Little Kinley went from a lively girl to this in a matter of days.



It happened when Kinley started complaining about a severe headache and a stiff neck four weeks ago.

Kim told INSIDE EDITION, "She said, 'Mommy, hold me. My head's dizzy.'"

Watch Kim's Interview with INSIDE EDITION

Kinley was diagnosed with enterovirus.

Everyone knows about Ebola, but enterovirus D68 has taken many more victims. At least in the U.S., there have been 691 confirmed cases since August, and six have been fatal.

Children are more vulnerable, Kinley in particular, because she was born premature with underdeveloped lungs.

Kim shot a video of her daughter for INSIDE EDITION to build awareness of what enterovirus can do to children.

Pediatric neurologist Jayne Ness said,  "This particular variety of enterovirus that came through is one that had not really been in the country in some time. So a lot of the younger kids have not seen it, and that's why we're seeing it mostly in younger kids who are getting sick."

Kinley's now on a ventilator to help her breathe.

"You know, I wake up and I feel like this is a bad dream every day," said Kim.