Its levels have been found high in wastewater samples. respiratory tract virus According to a report by WastewaterScan, it is also linked to paralysis in some children, raising fears of a rise in the number of cases in the US.
Virus, Enterovirus D68According to the Cleveland Clinic website, it is one of “100 non-polio enteroviruses.”
The clinic noted that while the virus itself is common, neurological complications are “relatively rare.”
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“It spreads in the summer like other enterovirus viruses, but it causes a unique problem,” Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the pediatric infectious diseases division at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York, told Fox News Digital.
Wastewater samples have been found to contain high levels of a respiratory virus that causes paralysis in some children. (iStock)
“It affects the nerves and can cause spinal cord paralysis.”
Nachman said the virus typically has “on and off years,” and he said this appears to be an “on and off year” based on recent wastewater data.
What to know about wastewater data
WastewaterScan, a Stanford University-based nonprofit, in partnership with Emory University, monitors wastewater samples across the country. infectious diseases According to its website, this will help alert public health officials.
The organization also provides its data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS).
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The CDC said wastewater samples can point to early warning signs of infectious diseases in a community, even before symptoms are detected.
“Wastewater is a good indicator of whether a virus is circulating.” in the environmentNachman told Fox News Digital.
WastewaterScan, a Stanford University-based nonprofit, in partnership with Emory University, monitors wastewater samples across the country for infectious diseases to help alert public health officials. (iStock)
“So, the message is that this virus is spreading.”
As of Sept 21, data from WastewaterScan showed that levels of enterovirus D68 in sewage were classified in the “moderate” category, with 306 out of 400 samples tested positive over the past 10 days.
Symptoms and complications
According to infectious disease experts, for most people the infection causes only mild cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, body aches and sore throat.
Rarely, it can cause severe respiratory symptoms and Nervous system disorders This is called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).
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According to the CDC, AFM can occur when the EV-D68 virus affects the nervous system, causing muscle weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and even paralysis.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York, describes AFM as “a rare but potentially very serious illness that can mimic polio and viral infections.” can cripple children,
“Wastewater is a good indicator of whether a virus is circulating in the environment.”
In most cases, paralysis is temporary and can be treated with physical therapy to relieve weakness.
“Cases of permanent paralysis are very rare,” Nachman told Fox News Digital.
The CDC said wastewater samples can point to early warning signs of infectious diseases in a community, even before symptoms are detected. (iStock)
The CDC states that infants, children, and teens are at highest risk for developing symptoms related to EV-D68.
Children suffering from asthma are also at higher risk. serious illness,
The CDC reports that EV-D68 outbreaks in the U.S. tend to peak during the summer and fall months.
Prevention and treatment
According to experts, the virus usually spreads from one person to another through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
Nachman advised that children should avoid sharing beverages, cups and utensils to prevent possible infection.
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Other prevention methods include disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, following proper hand-washing hygiene and keeping children home when they’re sick, the Cleveland Clinic reported.
Nachman said if a child complains of feeling weak in his or her legs or is having trouble walking, that could be a warning sign of EV-D68.
Experts suggest that parents should contact a pediatrician if they notice symptoms of the virus in their children. (iStock)
Parents need to Contact a pediatrician If they notice these symptoms.
“Your child’s pediatrician is your child’s expert, and that’s a better option than going to an urgent care center with a doctor who doesn’t know him or her,” Nachman said.
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People who experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, confusion, slurred speech, weakness, or paralysis, should seek emergency medical treatment.
After ruling out other diseases, blood tests, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), or MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Flu and CovidAccording to the Cleveland Clinic.
According to experts, treatment usually includes supportive care for symptoms and physical therapy if weakness occurs. (iStock)
There is currently no vaccine available for enterovirus D68, and there is no specific treatment. antiviral drug To treat this.
According to Nachman, treatment usually includes supportive care for symptoms and physical therapy if weakness occurs.
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When contacted by Fox News Digital, a CDC representative said the agency has not yet issued a statement or HAN (Health Alert Network) regarding EV-D68.
Fox News Digital also sought comment from WestwaterScan.
