CDC warns of rising cases of enterovirus D68, a virus linked to paralysis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of an increase in respiratory illnesses related to paralysis in children. It’s called enterovirus D68, and the CDC says it’s now on the rise in the United States.

CDC shared the news Weekly reports of morbidity and mortalitywhich notes that the number of enterovirus D68 cases started to increase this summer after an “extended period” of low cases during the 2018 period. COVID-19 (new coronavirus infectious disease) Pandemic.

This report describes how doctors in several parts of the country notified the CDC in August of an increase in hospitalizations for children with “severe respiratory illness” and positive results for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). This has led to “significant resource demands” at some hospitals and is also “coincident” with rising healthcare costs. Acute flaccid myelitisis a rare but serious neurological condition that weakens the body’s muscles and reflexes.

“Continued monitoring of EV-D68 is critical,” the CDC said in its report.

This report is from the CDC health consultation, warns physicians to beware of enterovirus D68 in their patients. Here’s what you should know about enterovirus D68 and how you should be concerned.

What is enterovirus D68?

Enterovirus D68 is a respiratory infection that is one of over 100 diseases called non-polio enteroviruses. CDC.polioInfections that can cause paralysis are also enteroviruses. )

Enterovirus D68 usually causes mild respiratory illness like the common cold, but it can cause a serious complication called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which can lead to paralysis, the CDC says.

According to the CDC, enteroviruses and enterovirus D68 usually occur in waves, with infections increasing every two years. In addition, the possibility of infectious diseases increases from summer to autumn.

Symptoms of enterovirus D68

Enteroviruses can cause mild symptoms, severe symptoms, or no symptoms at all, says the CDC. Mild symptoms include:

• runny nose
• sneeze
• sofa
• body pain
• muscle pain

Severe symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• difficulty breathing

If someone has AFM from the enterovirus D68, they may experience the following symptoms:

• arm or leg weakness
• neck, back, arm and leg pain
• Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
• Difficulty moving the eyes, drooping eyelids
• Sagging or weakness of the face

How careful should I be about enterovirus D68?

AFM is considered a rare complication of enterovirus D68, but it occurs more frequently than most people realize. In 2014, an outbreak of enterovirus D68 caused approximately 10% of those infected to develop her AFM. CDC.

AFM cases increased in 2014, 2016, and 2018 in the United States. CDC This also coincides with the period when enterovirus D68 increased.

“AFM is a rare complication of enterovirus D68,” said Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “But when it happens, it’s a serious problem.”

AFM due to enterovirus D68 is more common in children than in adults, Dr. Adalja said. “Adults can be infected with enterovirus D68, but they rarely develop AFM,” he says.

“There have been outbreaks in the past that have gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Perry N. Halquitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health. “Enterovirus D68 is currently of increasing concern. polio virusBut do you think it will be a widespread problem? “

Worth noting: Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, says his practice “sees an increase in common colds and enteroviruses.” But “we don’t see an increase in AFM,” he adds.

How to protect yourself from enteroviruses

When an enterovirus is circulating, it can be difficult to avoid, says Dr. Adalja. “Enteroviruses are ubiquitous and very difficult to avoid,” he points out.

Still, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. According to Dr. Gandian, the big problem is practicing hand hygiene. other safety tips, CDC:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging and sharing cups and utensils with sick people
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or over your shirt sleeve (not your hands).
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs. This is especially important if someone is sick.

Overall, many safety measures people adopted during the pandemic could help lower the risk of contracting enterovirus D68, according to experts. “Keep doing what you’ve been doing,” Dr. Gandian says.