A report from WastewaterSCAN found elevated concentrations of a respiratory virus that's been linked to paralysis in some children, raising concerns that cases in the US could increase.
The virus, Enterovirus D68, is one of “100 non-polio enteroviruses,” according to the Cleveland Clinic website.
While the virus itself is common, neurological complications are “relatively rare,” the clinic noted.
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“Like other enteroviruses, we have summer outbreaks, but this virus poses a special problem,” Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York, told Fox News Digital.
Sewage samples showed elevated levels of a respiratory virus that has been linked to paralysis in some children. (iStock)
“It can affect the nerves and cause paralysis throughout the spinal cord.”
Nachman noted that the virus typically has “hot and cold years,” but based on recent wastewater data, this year looks like it's going to be an “hot year.”
What you need to know about wastewater data
WastewaterSCAN, a Stanford University-based nonprofit with affiliation to Emory University, tests wastewater samples from around the country to monitor infectious disease outbreaks to help alert public health officials, according to its website.
The organization also provides data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS).
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The CDC noted that wastewater samples can show early warning signs of infectious diseases in a community, even before symptoms are detected.
“Wastewater is a good surrogate for whether the virus is circulating in the environment,” Nachman told Fox News Digital.
WastewaterSCAN, a nonprofit based at Stanford University and affiliated with Emory University, tests wastewater samples across the country for infectious diseases and helps alert public health officials. (iStock)
“So the key message is this virus is spreading.”
As of Sept. 21, WastewaterSCAN data showed levels of enterovirus D68 in wastewater were classified as “moderate,” with 306 of 400 samples testing positive in the past 10 days.
Symptoms and complications
Infectious disease experts say that for most people, the infection only causes mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, body aches and sore throat.
In rare cases, it can lead to severe respiratory symptoms and a neurological disorder called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).
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AFM occurs when the EV-D68 virus affects the nervous system, which can cause weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and even paralysis, according to the CDC.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, New York, described AFM as “a rare but very serious disease that is similar to polio and can be disabling in children.”
“Wastewater is a good surrogate for whether the virus is circulating in the environment.”
In most cases, the paralysis is temporary and can be treated with physical therapy to address the muscle weakness.
“There are very few cases of permanent paralysis,” Nachman told Fox News Digital.
The CDC noted that wastewater samples can show early warning signs of infectious diseases in a community, even before symptoms are detected. (iStock)
The CDC noted that infants, children, and teenagers are at highest risk of developing symptoms related to EV-D68.
Children with asthma are also at higher risk of developing serious illness.
According to the CDC, EV-D68 tends to peak in the summer and fall in the United States.
Prevention and Treatment
Experts say the virus typically spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces.
Nachman advised that children should avoid sharing drinks, cups and utensils to prevent the spread of infection.
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The Cleveland Clinic said other prevention methods include disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, following good hand washing hygiene and keeping children home when they are sick.
If a child complains of weakness in their legs or difficulty walking, that could be a warning sign of EV-D68, Nachman said.
Experts recommend that parents should contact their pediatrician if their child shows symptoms of the virus. (iStock)
Parents should contact their child's doctor if they notice any of these symptoms.
“Your child's pediatrician is the expert on your child and is a better choice than an urgent care center that doesn't know your child,” Nachman says.
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Anyone experiencing serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, slurred speech, weakness or paralysis should seek emergency medical attention.
After ruling out the flu and COVID-19, blood tests, a spinal tap, or an MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Experts say treatment usually involves supportive care for symptoms and physical therapy if muscle weakness occurs. (iStock)
Currently, there is no vaccine against enterovirus D68 and no specific antiviral medications to treat it.
Treatment typically includes supportive care for symptoms and physical therapy if muscle weakness occurs, Nachman said.
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When contacted by Fox News Digital, a CDC representative said the agency has not yet released a statement or HAN (Health Alert Network) regarding EV-D68.
Fox News Digital also reached out to WastewaterSCAN for comment.
