Public health officials across the U.S. and Canada are becoming alarmed about enterovirus D68. This infection has spread across the country over the last few weeks. Now it has claimed lives.
Although this enterovirus can cause muscle weakness and paralysis, it is not polio. EV-D68 is primarily affecting children.
The primary symptoms are fever and upper respiratory tract infection. Some children develop wheezing or trouble breathing and may need hospitalization. If a child seems to be having difficulty catching his breath, parents are urged to take him to the doctor right away.
There is no vaccine or effective medication. The CDC is urging parents to wash hands and keep their children away from others who may be infected. That is not a very satisfactory solution for frightened parents, but until the virus is better understood, it may be the best the CDC can do.
