Ebola is scary; this virus that has paralyzed and killed children is scarier

Published: Oct 11, 2014 9:21 a.m. ET


Enterovirus D-68 presents like a common cold but can become much worse

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The Children's Hospital Colorado, which has seen 10 patients with respiratory enterovirus D68 after an outbreak in the state. Enterovirus D68 is similar to the common cold, but symptoms can be more serious, causing wheezing and in some instances, neurological symptoms and temporary paralysis.


Senior editor

As Americans watch the Ebola story unfold in across the globe, many are unaware of a threat far closer to home — and more contagious.

Enterovirus D68, a respiratory illness, has been making its way across the country since August, and has been diagnosed in nearly 600 people, in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly all the confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The enterovirus, also known as EV-D68, can only be diagnosed through specific lab tests often administered only by government health departments. There isn’t an antiviral medication available for people who are infected with EV-D68, the CDC says.

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The symptoms of EV-D68 include achy limbs and muscles, fever, runny nose, sneezing and coughing — much like a common cold. Almost all of the confirmed cases of EV-D68 are in children — and the CDC is looking into the deaths of four patients in whom EV-D68 had been detected. Earlier this week, the CDC confirmed that the death of a nearly asymptomatic 4-year-old New Jersey boy last month was from the virus, making him the first person whose death was directly linked to EV-D68. In the other deaths, it’s not clear what role the virus played, the CDC said.

The CDC is also looking into a connection between EV-D68 and child paralysis, after a dozen Colorado children were treated for paralysis-like symptoms.

Ebola, while deadly and frightening, is relatively hard to spread. It’s transmitted mainly by exchanging bodily fluids with a person who is sick with Ebola, or through contaminated syringes.

On the other hand, you can catch EV-D68 if an infected person coughs or sneezes near you or if you touch a surface that an infected person has touched.

Generally speaking, the most susceptible to enteroviruses are babies, children and teens because they lack adult immunity. Kids with asthma are at a higher risk for the respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.

Infections are expected to wane as the fall progresses, but, in the meantime, the CDC advises people to take these precautions:

•Wash hands often with soap and water.

•Don’t touch eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.

•Don’t hug, kiss or share utensils and cups with sick people.

•Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

•Disinfect surfaces that are touched often, like doorknobs, keyboards and toys.

•If you are sick, stay home.

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