Enterovirus D68 levels have increased significantly in the US this year, prompting concerns about a potential rise in acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare polio-like illness. While most enterovirus infections cause mild symptoms, D68 has been linked to AFM, which affects the nervous system and causes severe weakness in the arms and legs.
Enterovirus D68 is linked to rare cases of the polio-like illness acute myelitis, or AFM . So far this year, the CDC has confirmed 13 cases of AFM . have detected a significant escalation in an enterovirus called D68, which, in rare cases, has been linked to acute flaccid myelitis , or AFM . The illness affects the nervous system and causes severe weakness in the arms and legs. This most often occurs in young children.
There's no cure or specific treatment for the paralysis. Even with years of intensive physical therapy, many are left with life-altering disabilities.The pattern stopped in 2020 when the nation went into lockdown because of the Covid pandemic, drastically reducing viral spread. That year, just 32 cases were logged. The spread of D68 picked up again in 2022 as lockdowns were lifted.
So far in 2024, 13 AFM cases have been confirmed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2014, 758 cases have been logged. Within an hour, Vishnu lost all ability to move his arms and legs."I couldn't get myself off the floor," he said. Doctors warned Vishnu's family that he might never regain function of his arms and legs. The poor prognosis crushed Vishnu. He'd always thrived as"king of the playground" when it came to sports and other physical activities.Vishnu spent years undergoing physical therapy to regain the ability to walk. That was successful. Otherwise, there’s not much doctors can do. His right shoulder remains limp.
Enterovirus D68 AFM Acute Flaccid Myelitis Polio-Like Illness Viral Infection
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