US doctors have reported 12 cases of muscle weakness or paralysis among children in Colorado that may be linked to a nationwide outbreak of an usually rare respiratory virus called EV-D68.
EV-D68 is a so-called non-polio enterovirus. Some viruses in this group have been found to cause meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis, as well as infection of the heart muscle or the sac surrounding it, in a small number of people. EV-D68 has previously caused localized outbreaks of respiratory illness in Asia, Europe and the United States from 2008 to 2010. According to the latest figures on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, it returned last August in a US-wide outbreak, which as of January 15 had caused 1,153 mild to severe respiratory illness cases.
EV-D68 is a so-called non-polio enterovirus. Some viruses in this group have been found to cause meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis, as well as infection of the heart muscle or the sac surrounding it, in a small number of people. EV-D68 has previously caused localized outbreaks of respiratory illness in Asia, Europe and the United States from 2008 to 2010. According to the latest figures on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, it returned last August in a US-wide outbreak, which as of January 15 had caused 1,153 mild to severe respiratory illness cases.
Physicians at the Children's Hospital Colorado examined 12 cases of sick youngsters who had been admitted over a three-month period. These children reportedly had varying degrees of muscle weakness in the arms and legs as well as facial paralysis or problems swallowing, Roughly a week after falling ill with a fever and breathing difficulties. 8 of the 12 tested positive for enteroviruses or rhinoviruses, of which five were identified as EV-D68. Scans showed that 10 children had spinal cord lesions and brain-stem lesions were seen in 9. Despite having received treatment, all 10 with limb weakness still have problems.
Exposure to EV-D68 comes from close contact with an infected person, through sneezes, coughing and shaking hands with them or touching surfaces that have the virus on it. There is currently no vaccine or targeted treatment for the disease.
The report appears online in UK medical journal The Lancet.
Source: Medindia
- << Litchi Fruit Suspected in Mystery Brain Disease in India
- Millions in Britain Who are Receiving Asthma Treatment may ... >>
Recommended Reading
Chemicals Found in Plastics, Cosmetics Linked to Earlier Menopause and Declines in Ovarian Function
Researchers have discovered 15 chemicals found in plastics and cosmetics that are significantly associated with earlier menopause and declines in ovarian function.
US-Based Scientists Do Not Publish Articles About Potential Role of Innate Variation in Athletic Performance
U.S. based scientists are underrepresented as authors of articles compared to scientists working in other countries on the potential role of innate variation in athletic performance that are published in peer-reviewed science journals.
Litchi Fruit Suspected in Mystery Brain Disease in India
The mysterious and sometimes fatal brain disease that has afflicted children in northeastern India for several years could be linked to a toxic substance in litchi fruits.
Air Pollution Killing Tens of Thousands of Lives
In Britain air pollution is claiming tens of thousands of people every year, reveal experts.
Amoebic Dysentery
Amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis is an infection of the intestine that causes diarrhoea most frequently along with other causes.
Asthenia
Asthenia refers to lack of muscle strength and extreme debility. A healthy lifestyle and early diagnosis can help prevent serious consequences.
Chicken Pox
Chicken pox is an acute and highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis refers to inflammation of the muscles which can render a person physically helpless. Polymyositis is also known as idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
Ptosis
Ptosis/dropping eyelid occurs due to the weakness of muscles, or lack of nerve supply to the muscle that is responsible for raising the upper eye lid. Ptosis gives an appearance of droopy eyes.
Shigellosis
Shigellosis or Bacillary Dysentery is a common cause of gastro-enteritis worldwide and can cause bloody diarrhea (called dysentery).
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition of the lower spine in which one of the bones of the vertebral column slips out of its proper place and slides over to the vertebra below it.
