Mysterious virus with polio-like symptoms in kids fast spreading in USA; what to know – Times of India

Children in the US are at the risk of contracting a respiratory virus which is linked to polio-like symptoms including paralysis. The enterovirus variant EV-D68, which is commonly associated with cold-like symptoms, has been detected in wastewater samples across the US, causing concern among health authorities, as it has also been linked to the development of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious neurological condition which could cause paralysis in kids.While in most cases, symptoms remain mild, but the increasing presence of the virus, as reported by wastewater monitoring programs, has ignited fears of potential outbreaks.

What is enterovirus EV-D68?

Enterovirus EV-D68 is a common virus in children and most people over the age of 5 have evidence of a previous infection with it. It is a respiratory infection mostly reported in children and teens, but adults may also get affected by it. Cold and cough are one of the most common symptoms of this enterovirus but in rare cases it can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. In rare cases severe breathing problems or a nervous system disorder called acute flaccid myelitis is reported. The outbreaks of this virus are common in every two years.

Mild symptoms of enterovirus EV-D68

Considering most people or children include only mild symptoms of the virus, stuffy or runny nose, cough, fever, muscle pain or body aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, and diarrhea, are commonly seen.

Severe symptoms

Severe symptoms include weakness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty moving eyes, drooping eyelids, facial paralysis, Back pain, neck, or arm pain.
“We are detecting EV-D68 nucleic acids in wastewater across the country now, and the levels are increasing,” said Alexandria Boehm, program director of WastewaterScan, a nonprofit monitoring network, and a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University to NBC News.