A virus that can cause paralysis in children is on the rise in California, with new wastewater analysis showing increasing viral activity across the state.
In most people, enterovirus D68, also known as EV-D68, causes mild respiratory symptoms, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. However, in rare cases the disease can attack the motor neurons in our spinal cord that control our movement. This can result in a serious neurological condition called acute flaccid myelitis, which causes muscle weakness and, in rare cases, can lead to permanent paralysis.
"According to data available from the nonprofit WastewaterSCAN, the EV-D68 virus is now being detected at medium levels in 323 of 429 samples nationwide over the last 10 days," Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, a professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, told Newsweek.
Across California, medium rates of EV-D68 have been detected around the Bay Area, Sacramento and Los Angeles, with lower rates recorded at two wastewater sites in Riverside County.
"These detections in wastewater are indicative that EV-D68 is circulating in communities and therefore we should have a heightened awareness for the possibility of infection with this virus," Kim-Farley said. "It provides us with a notice that we need to continue to practice preventive measures."
EV-D68 primarily affects children, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. "The groups most at risk are children, children with asthma, immunocompromised individuals and adults with chronic respiratory conditions," Kim-Farley said.
So what symptoms should you look out for? Kim-Farley put them into three categories:
1. Mild Symptoms
Runny nose
Sneezing
Cough
Body and muscle aches
Fever
2. Severe Symptoms
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Severe respiratory distress
3. Neurological Symptoms (rare but serious)
Sudden limb weakness
Difficulty moving arms or legs
Facial droop or weakness
Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
To date, there are no vaccines against EV-D68. To protect yourself and others from this virus, Kim-Farley recommended the following:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid Close Contact
Stay away from people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Use a tissue or elbow to cover the mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
4. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys and mobile devices.
5. Manage Asthma:
If you or your child has asthma, keep following the asthma action plan and keep the asthma under control since EV-D68 can cause severe respiratory problems in individuals with asthma.
6. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Do not share eating utensils, cups, towels or clothing with others.
Kim-Farley said: "Although EV-D68 is not preventable by vaccination, it is a good opportunity to remind your readers that other enterovirus diseases, such as poliomyelitis, which can also cause paralysis, are vaccine-preventable, and we should encourage people to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations, including the most recent updated vaccines for COVID-19."
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