The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to doctors about an increase in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections, a virus that can cause rare paralysis in children. This resurgence marks the largest wave since 2018, when doctors last noted a similar spike in the virus during summer and fall. While this virus mostly leads to mild symptoms like cough and runny nose, it can cause acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare condition causing muscle weakness and paralysis, in a small fraction of children, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. The CDC reported 238 cases of AFM in 2018, largely associated with spike in EV-D68 infections.
The agency also expressed concern that the increasing spread of the virus could potentially lead to more cases of AFM. Given the pattern of increases in EV-D68 respiratory illnesses usually preceding cases of AFM, the country’s top health agency advised doctors to be more vigilant in detecting cases of AFM in the imminent weeks.
This warning comes amidst fears of a potential larger outbreak due to what health experts like Dr. Kevin Messacar of Children’s Hospital Colorado referred to as an ‘immunity gap.’ This term denotes the four-year age bracket of children who haven’t been exposed to EV-D68 and hence lack immunity against it. These concerns are also echoed by health experts in Europe who have reported the potential risk of EV-D68 reemergence post COVID-19 lockdown easing measures.
Continually spreading is the EV-D68 virus, part of the same family as infectious pathogens like poliovirus and parechovirus, often getting mistaken with rhinovirus, a frequent cause of the common cold, due to similarities in diagnostic markers. Dr. Messacar further emphasizes the need for pediatricians, ER doctors, and urgent care providers to stay alert about this rare paralytic illness associated with EV-D68.
Originating in the 1960s, EV-D68’s impact became more evident during a 2014 outbreak leading to hospitalizations, paralysis cases, and even deaths in children. Based on data from previous waves, the current situation is strikingly similar to 2014, prompting intensified efforts to understand and combat the disease. Scientists are now engaging in research studies to gain insights into virus behavior and explore potential therapeutic options, such as monoclonal antibody drugs to both prevent and treat the disease.
In conclusion, the call to arms against EV-D68 reiterates the need for constant vigilance and the pursuit of effective treatments as part of the broader effort to monitor and control infection rates across diverse health conditions, especially amidst the disruptions ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: https://www.aol.com/cdc-warns-enterovirus-kids-risk-210113943.html