There is a new virus that is spreading amongst kids that has polio-like symptoms such as that can cause muscle weakness or paralysis.
The New Virus
The enterovirus D68, which most frequently causes respiratory illnesses in children and has symptoms that are typically mild but can develop severely, was the subject of a warning from the CDC on Friday. The polio virus is a member of the big enterovirus family; both EV-D68 and poliovirus can enter the neurological system and result in muscular weakness.
A condition known as acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, which is characterized by inflammation in the neck area of the spinal cord, can occasionally be brought on by EV-D68. While some people with AFM have trouble moving their arms, others become weak in all four extremities.
Although most patients do have some improvement after AFM, a full recovery is uncommon and frequently needs rehabilitation.
Cause For Concern
Compared to the previous three years combined, the CDC has found more EV-D68 cases among kids with severe respiratory illnesses this year. From March through August 4, there were 84 instances of this. The CDC found six similar occurrences in 2019, 30 in 2020, and 16 in 2021, in contrast.
How To Prevent Enterovirus D68?
According to the CDC, you can do the following things to help yourself from getting or spreading this virus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people that are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Stay home when you are sick
