Buzz
The CDC has recently alerted healthcare professionals about the presence of enterovirus D68 in children who have been hospitalized with severe respiratory issues. This virus has also been linked to acute flaccid myelitis, a form of paralysis. While the majority of infections do not result in paralysis, it’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of this potential outcome. But how does this impact you as a parent?
What exactly is enterovirus D68?
Enterovirus D68 is a member of the enterovirus family, similar to polio. (In fact, there’s a whole group of these 'non-polio enteroviruses.') While enteroviruses primarily inhabit the intestines, they can also trigger respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Recently, some EV-D68 cases have presented with severe respiratory issues, especially in children with a history of asthma or wheezing.
EV-D68 is one of the viruses associated with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a polio-like paralysis first identified during a major outbreak in 2014. Subsequent surges occurred in late summer and early fall in 2016, 2018, and 2020, and the pattern seems to persist this year.
What exactly is acute flaccid myelitis?
Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord, which can lead to weakness and paralysis. 'Acute' indicates the condition develops suddenly, and 'flaccid' means the affected limbs may appear limp. This term helps distinguish AFM from other types of paralysis where muscles may cramp or twitch.
AFM symptoms may include weakness in an arm or leg, though other parts of the body can also be affected, such as drooping eyelids, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing. The CDC describes AFM as 'rare but serious.' If your child shows any of these signs, it's essential to seek medical attention.
What do parents need to understand?
It's crucial to note that while this virus isn't extremely common, AFM is even rarer. In short: there's no need to panic.
Thankfully, the measures to protect yourself and your child from this virus are the same precautions you should already be following to reduce the risk of colds, flu, COVID, stomach viruses, and other everyday illnesses. The CDC provides an informational poster for parents, recommending the following steps:
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Stay home if you're feeling unwell
There is no vaccine available for EV-D68, but the CDC still recommends staying up-to-date with your vaccinations to protect against other illnesses with similar symptoms, including polio and the flu.
If your child has asthma, the CDC advises ensuring they have an updated asthma action plan, outlining the necessary medications and precautions based on the severity of their symptoms. As always, seek immediate medical attention if they experience difficulty breathing.
