Enterovirus 68 Outbreak

CDC Investigates Limb Paralysis in Children After Enterovirus 68 Outbreak

The CDC began an investigation recently to find out if the limb paralysis experienced by a number of children is related to the Enterovirus 68 Outbreak. It has been reported that nine children in Denver are experiencing neurologic illness that has been accompanied by limb weakness and in some cases paralysis. Prior to the limb weakness each of the children had some type of respiratory virus.

According to the CDC “Six of the eight children tested were found to be positive for a rhinovirus or enterovirus and four of those cases were found to be the Enterovirus 68. The other two cases were still pending.” Dr. Larry Wolk states the average age of the affect children is between 1 – 18 and the symptoms present in a wide range from mile leg weakness to severe paralysis. “Walk” further states "What ties…all together…are findings of spots or lesions in the grey matter of the spinal cord on MRI scans."

The CDC has not been proven that the Enterovirus 68 is the cause of the leg weakness or paralysis. However, due to how rare the complication are and that these types of complications are not associated with this type of viral infection the CDC is asking medical workers to watch for similar complications in patients.

I found this article interesting because of how amazing and interesting a relatively minor viral respiratory infection could pass through the physiology of the body and affect the anatomy of the body. As we enter the season for heightened respiratory sensitivity any threat of additional complications from viruses knowing that such a simple virus could have such devastating effects in the depth of the joints if somewhat frightening.

Monney, Gillian. “CDC Investigates Limb Paralysis in Children After Enterovirus 68 Outbreak. “ABC News. ABC News Network, 27 Sept. 2014. Web. 27 Sept. 2014....