Mysterious virus spreading in US causes polio-like paralysis in children: All about it

A respiratory virus linked to paralysis in children is spreading across the US, causing concerns about a potential rise in a rare polio-like illness.

In Short

• A mystery virus in the US has been causing paralysis in children
• The enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) triggers severe neurological symptoms in children
• There is currently no cure for it

A respiratory virus linked to paralysis in children is spreading across the US, raising concerns about a potential increase in cases of a rare polio-like illness.

Wastewater monitoring has detected a significant rise in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a strain known for triggering severe neurological symptoms in children.

EV-D68 is commonly associated with mild respiratory symptoms, such as runny noses, coughs, and headaches. However, in rare cases, it can cause acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a condition that affects the nervous system and leads to muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs.

This condition primarily affects young children and can result in long-term disabilities.

"We are detecting EV-D68 nucleic acids in wastewater across the country now, and the levels are increasing," said Alexandria Boehm, program director of WastewaterSCAN, a nonprofit network monitoring the virus, and a professor at Stanford University.

The increase in virus levels in wastewater is a key early indicator of a possible surge in AFM cases.

Epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers from Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told NBC News that the timing of this rise is particularly concerning, as September has historically seen the highest number of AFM cases.

"The time of year is right," she said, adding that there are other signs pointing to a possible rise in cases.

EV-D68 first gained attention in 2014, when the US experienced an unexpected spike in pediatric AFM cases. That year, 120 children were diagnosed with the condition, which has no known cure or specific treatment.

Even with intensive physical therapy, many children are left with long-term or permanent disabilities.

Enteroviruses, like EV-D68, are common and typically cause mild symptoms, but the strain’s association with AFM has raised alarms.

Experts continue to urge vigilance, as further research is needed to better understand how the virus leads to this rare and severe outcome.

While the situation is being closely monitored, health officials stress the importance of taking precautions and staying informed as the virus spreads.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 13 confirmed AFM cases out of 22 patients under investigation (PUIs) as of September 3, 2024, and 18 confirmed cases out of 40 PUIs in 2023.

There have been 758 confirmed cases since CDC began tracking AFM in August of 2014.

There is currently no cure or vaccine against EV-D68. Researchers are studying this virus to understand its long-term impact.

Prevention involves practising basic hygiene like washing hands frequently, avoiding coming in contact with sick people, and giving medical attention to children with respiratory issues.