Scientific Asia: While most cases of Enterovirus D68 in children are mild respiratory illnesses akin to a cold, there are also considerably more serious cases.
MASSACHUSETTS — D68, an enterovirus that resembles polio, is on the rise in the US, and it is present at both of the Massachusetts wastewater testing locations that are being reported.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, enterovirus D68, sometimes referred to as EV-D68, mostly affects youngsters and produces a mild respiratory infection that is comparable to the common cold. On the other hand, the virus can also cause acute fever myelitis, a neurological illness that can be paralyzing, and serious respiratory problems.
The clinic reported that although enterovirus D68 “seems to be very common” and associated problems are rather uncommon, significant case outbreaks that result in acute fever myelitis appear to occur every two years in the United States.
The reason behind the current rise in these kinds of occurrences is unknown to experts.
The Deer Island Treatment Plant in Boston, which serves the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Worcester, and Plymouth, has reported medium levels of enterovirus D68. In the last 10 days, four out of five samples tested positive for the virus. Midway through August, the levels started to rise.
Three of four samples at the Upper Blackstone Clean Water testing site in Millbury, which serves Worcester County, tested positive during the last ten days, indicating medium viral levels there as well.
Moreover, levels are classified as “medium” throughout; during the previous ten days, 279 out of 369 samples tested positive.
The two Massachusetts locales have high levels of SARS-CoV-2, low levels of RSV and influenza, and medium levels of norovirus. The Upper Blackstone testing location has medium rotavirus levels, while the Deer Island site has low levels.
The Cleveland Clinic lists the following as signs of enterovirus D68:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
Some people experience acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, symptoms a few days to two weeks after first experiencing EV-D68 symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty moving your eyes
- Facial paralysis
- Back, neck, arm, or leg pain
Like the majority of viruses, EV-D68 has no particular therapy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, mild symptoms usually get better in a week or two, but more serious symptoms, including breathing difficulties, can need hospitalization.
Individuals who exhibit symptoms of AFM or whose child exhibits similar symptoms ought to consult a physician.
