Recent data from municipal wastewater indicates a rise in the rates of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) across various areas of the Bay Area. This respiratory virus, which typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults, can result in a rare polio-like illness in young children.
According to WastewaterSCAN, a monitoring service that tracks various viruses nationwide, high concentrations of EV-D68 are being reported in locations such as Palo Alto, Napa, and southeastern San Francisco. Additionally, San Rafael has also seen elevated levels of the virus.
San Francisco is experiencing an early onset of cold and flu season, highlighted by the announcement from the city’s Department of Public Health of its first flu-related death last week.
EV-D68 is one of over 100 non-polio enteroviruses and typically appears during the summer and fall months. The virus often causes respiratory illnesses that resemble a common cold, with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and muscle aches. However, in vulnerable groups, it may lead to severe symptoms, including respiratory distress and pneumonia. There’s also a rare risk of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a serious neurological condition that can occur weeks after infection, especially in young children, and may result in long-term complications.
Initially identified in California back in 1962, EV-D68 showed up sporadically until a significant surge in 2014 led to over 1,000 cases spread across the U.S. Last year, EV-D68, along with various other respiratory illnesses, was also prevalent in the Bay Area, as highlighted previously by SFGATE.
“It’s the infants we get really worried about,” Dr. Monica Gandhi, a UCSF infectious disease specialist, expressed regarding the risk of AFM.
This uncommon condition, which can also arise from other viruses like West Nile and herpesviruses, impacts the spinal cord, resulting in sudden muscle weakness and loss of reflexes in children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms can include slurred speech, difficulties with eye movement, and facial drooping. The CDC advises parents to seek immediate hospital attention if their child displays such alarming symptoms since the condition can progress rapidly.
Senior adults and young children, especially those with compromised immune systems, are at the highest risk for experiencing severe illness if they contract EV-D68, Gandhi pointed out. While healthy individuals usually experience mild respiratory symptoms, it can still be quite severe for certain at-risk groups.
Although there’s no vaccine specifically for EV-D68, individuals can take preventive measures by regularly washing their hands and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Residents of the Bay Area are also encouraged to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the likelihood of severe illness. “This sad news serves as a reminder that respiratory viruses like flu and COVID should be taken very seriously, especially for those at higher risk,” stated San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip in a recent health department announcement. “With fall festivities coming up, we want everyone to stay healthy and enjoy all the fun activities. Vaccines can help ensure that.”
