Home / Health / Polio-like Virus Surges in California: Children at Risk
Polio-like Virus Surges in California: Children at Risk
6 Oct
Summary
- Enterovirus D68 is increasing in California's Bay Area.
- The virus can cause cold-like symptoms and rare polio-like illness.
- Wastewater monitoring shows rising viral concentrations in the region.
Concentrations of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) are currently on the rise in California's Bay Area, with detected levels increasing in Palo Alto, Napa, Southeast San Francisco, and San Rafael. This respiratory virus, which usually spreads in late summer and early fall, typically presents with common cold symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
However, EV-D68 can escalate to more severe conditions like pneumonia, particularly in young children and vulnerable populations. In rare instances, it has been linked to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a dangerous neurological illness primarily impacting children, characterized by limb weakness and loss of muscle tone. AFM symptoms may appear several weeks post-infection.
Experts emphasize that while most healthy individuals experience mild illnesses, the virus poses significant risks to older adults, very young children, and those with compromised immune systems. There is currently no vaccine for EV-D68, and preventative measures include frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with sick individuals. This rise coincides with San Francisco reporting its first flu-related death of the season, prompting renewed calls for updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
