Killer Cold: Texas

"This AD14 adenovirus has been around since 1955, but in the last year and a half, it mutated to a more lethal form," said (Dr. Joe) Anzaldua.

Earlier this year, experts believe the virus caused hundreds to get sick at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio. Nineteen-year-old trainee Paige Renee Villers died.

There's no scientific explanation for why the virus pops up in certain areas, which means it could happen in Houston, or anywhere.

The symptoms are like any other cold, except doctors said they get continually worse.

They said this virus can kill a person in as little as three days, and it can affect anyone of any age.

There are some common-sense things you can do to help prevent the virus, like washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.

Killer Cold

A mutated version of an adenovirus, a common family of viruses that normally causes simple infections, has caused severe respiratory illness in patients of all ages, including healthy young adults, say U.S. health officials.

The new and virulent strain of adenovirus serotype 14 (Ad14) killed 10 people in parts of the United States earlier this year, mostly from severe pneumonia. It also put dozens into hospitals...