A young B.C. man has died of Enterovirus D68, marking the first Canadian fatality from the unusual and troubling illness.

The BC Centre for Disease Control says the man, who is from B.C.’s Lower Mainland and in his 20s, also had a history of severe asthma.

Limb paralysis or weakness has been seen in some EV-D68 patients, but the deceased did not have any paralysis or neurological symptoms, the agency said.

“It’s not known to what extent D68 may have caused or contributed to this death, but either way this is a tragic loss for the family and our heartfelt condolences go out to them,” said Dr. Danuta Skowronski, Epidemiology Lead for Influenza and Emerging Respiratory Pathogens.

This is the first “known” Canadian death from the virus, Skowronski said, adding that Enterovirus infections are not reportable in Canada or in the U.S.

“It’s possible that Enterovirus D68 has contributed to or been associated to deaths previously but those were not recognized,” she said.

Thirty-six cases have been confirmed in British Columbia.

The BC CDC says “the vast majority of people” who contract the virus will only have mild symptoms and will recover fully. People with breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical treatment.

Children, especially those with asthma, appear to be hit the hardest by the virus. Skowronski warns that adults should not be considered exempt from it, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

“This most recent and tragic event in this young man with a history of asthma serves as a reminder that people of any age with underlying health conditions, especially heart and lung, do sometimes experience more severe complications when infected with respiratory viruses,” she said.

In a separate news conference, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Gregory Taylor, said that while it’s not known whether EV-D68 caused the B.C. man’s death, people with asthma are at a greater risk.

“Unfortunately with asthma, sometimes people get severe asthmatic attacks and die, which could be triggered by the common cold,” he said.

While this is the first death related to the virus in Canada, it’s being probed as the possible cause of at least seven fatalities in the U.S.

Before the 2014 outbreak of the virus, three fatalities were attributed to the virus: Two in the Philippines in 2008, and one in Japan in 2010.

Unlike influenza, there is no specific vaccine or anti-viral treatment for Enterovirus, so prevention and early recognition are key, according the BC CDC.

It recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water to avoid the spread of germs for Enterovirus, as well as Influenza.

Press conference at the Centre for Disease Control re: enterovirus D68. 36 cases now confirmed in BC @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/XDA2Po5TJ2 — Maria Weisgarber (@ctv_mariaw) October 17, 2014