Enterovirus D68 Infections on the Rise in the US #

Enterovirus D68 infections are increasing across the United States. This common virus can lead to a rare but serious polio-like complication known as acute flaccid myelitis.

Symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis include limb weakness and paralysis. Children are among those most affected by this condition.

What is Enterovirus D68? #

Enterovirus D68 is part of a group of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses. These enteroviruses are very common. Many people who contract them have no symptoms at all or have mild coldlike symptoms. Most are probably unaware that what they have is an enterovirus.

Recent data shows that enterovirus activity is now registering in the ‘medium’ level and has been especially escalating since July.

How is Enterovirus D68 Spread? #

Enterovirus D68 is a respiratory virus that is spread when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs, and these droplets land on someone’s nose, mouth or eyes. The droplets can also land on surfaces or objects, and then when someone else touches those areas and then touches their nose, mouth or eyes, they could contract the virus.

Children are more likely to get infected and develop symptoms. This is because children are in close contact with one another at school and day care. They also may not observe the best hygiene practices.

Adults can also get these infections, but they are less likely to have symptoms, and if infected, they may have milder symptoms compared with children.

Symptoms of Enterovirus D68 #

Many people will have mild coldlike symptoms, like runny nose, sneezing, fever and a cough. Some may have more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, fatigue and body aches. Less commonly, enteroviruses can cause inflammation of the brain and heart. Asymptomatic infection is possible as well.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis #

Acute flaccid myelitis is a condition that has only recently been named, in 2014. This condition has some similarities with polio. Individuals first have a viral infection and then, a few weeks later, develop sudden onset of arm or leg weakness. Other symptoms include loss of muscle tone and loss of reflexes, facial droop and slurred speech.

The condition can be life-threatening when respiratory muscles are involved; patients may need machines to help them breathe. It could also cause problems with regulating blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate.

There is no specific treatment for acute flaccid myelitis. Patients receive supportive care, including hospital admission, fluids, anti-inflammatory medications, breathing support if needed, and physical and occupational therapy.

While some can recover completely, the majority have lasting symptoms and disability as a result of this disease.

Risk of Acute Flaccid Myelitis #

It’s unlikely that enterovirus D68 infection will result in acute flaccid myelitis. Enterovirus infections are very common. The vast majority of cases are never diagnosed, and virtually everyone is exposed to many enteroviruses during their lifetimes.

Prevention Measures #

To reduce the chance of contracting this virus:

1. Wash hands regularly and well with soap and water.
2. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
3. Avoid touching faces with unwashed hands.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes.
5. Wash hands after touching high-touch surfaces like doorknobs.

Parents should look out for concerning symptoms that could indicate acute flaccid myelitis, such as sudden weakness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and new pain in the neck, arms and back. Any of these symptoms should prompt urgent medical attention.

While there is no vaccine for this enterovirus, parents and caregivers should ensure that their children are up to date on their childhood immunizations and that they themselves receive the recommended vaccines.