Doctors at Advocate Sherman Hospital say Kane County parents should be aware but not unduly concerned about reports that children in Colorado who have tested positive for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) recently were diagnosed with neurological symptoms that include limb weakness and temporary paralysis.

According to a report in Sherman Hospital’s excellent e-news page the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nine children were diagnosed with temporary paralysis. Four of those children tested positive for EV-D68, with another two children reportedly having another enterovirus or rhinovirus strain.

Dr. James Malow, infectious disease specialist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, agrees that these reports are no reason for undue concern among parents at this time, but parents should be aware of the situation.

“This is something that needs to be investigated fully. We need to see what develops,” he says. “That’s why the CDC is contacting state and local health officials — to see if there are more cases out there that they aren’t yet aware of. I’m certain the CDC will release additional information on their investigation as it becomes available.

“Parents should report any severe weakness in children under the age of 21 associated with respiratory illness and seek medical attention immediately,” he says. “Just remember that this has only been reported in a small number of children in one area and the cause is yet to be determined. We just need to remain vigilant.”

To read more about Enterovirus D68, visit this page on the Kane County Health Department website.

Read More

• Advocate Sherman Hospital website
• Advocate Sherman Hospital article: Enterovirus link investigated in paralysis of 9 Colorado children
• Could Enterovirus D68 Be Causing Polio-Like Paralysis in Kids?
• Is Enterovirus D-68 to Blame for Kids’ Paralysis in Colorado?
• Mysterious Enterovirus Linked to Paralysis in Kids