Respiratory diseases among children can lead to polio-like condition

(WXIN) – Doctors across the United States have seen an increase in children of a respiratory virus that can cause polio-like muscle weakness.

In most cases, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) causes a respiratory illness with mild symptoms. However, it can result in a condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which can cause inflammation of the spinal cord. Those who suffer from AFM may have trouble moving their arms, while others experience muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure or life-threatening neurological complications.

According to an alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week, pediatric hospitalizations are increasing among patients with severe respiratory illness who test positive for rhinovirus (RV) and/or enterovirus (EV). Some of the patients have also tested positive for EV-D68 – and hospital sites are reporting a higher proportion of EV-D68 patients compared to previous years.

This is not the first time the EV-D68 has caused problems. In 2014, an outbreak of enterovirus D68 was reported in several states. The outbreak involved nearly 1,400 people, although an undercount is very likely because many who experienced mild symptoms were not tested.

Increased activity was also reported in 2016 and 2018, with lower circulation in 2020 likely due to COVID-19 containment measures.

Between July 2022 and August 2022, the number of detected EV-D68 cases was greater than the period from the three previous years (2019, 2020 and 2021). While the CDC has not seen increased reports of AFM, an increase in AFM cases generally follows an increase in EV-D68 cases, the agency said.

The CDC alert asks providers to consider EV-D68 as a possible cause of respiratory illness among children and warns of a potential increase in cases in the coming weeks. Common symptoms for EV-D68 include coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Fever is present in about half of known cases.

“In rare cases, EV-D68 can cause AFM,” the CDC noted in its warning. “This rare but serious neurological condition primarily affects children and typically presents with sudden limb weakness.”

According to the CDC, signs of AFM include:

• arm or leg weakness
• pain in the neck, back, arms or legs
• difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
• difficulty moving the eyes or drooping eyelids
• facial droop or weakness

The agency noted that there are no vaccines or specific treatments available.

Infants, children and teenagers are most likely to be infected. Those who suffer from asthma may be at greater risk of severe cases of EV-D68.

CDC encourages the public to follow typical prevention measures:

• 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 or eating utensils with people who are sick and when you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Consider wearing a mask around other people if you have respiratory symptoms
• Contact a health care provider immediately if you or your child have trouble breathing or have a sudden onset of limb weakness
• Make sure you or your child follow an updated asthma action plan if you or your child has asthma
• Stay up to date with all recommended vaccines