Enterovirus D68, a respiratory disease virus that can cause symptoms ranging from colds and breathing problems to paralysis similar to polio, is increasing in number, according to recent wastewater analyses.
The EV-D68 virus can affect children and adults. Although symptoms are usually mild in most adults, children are at risk for complications, including severe breathing problems and a neurological disorder called acute flaccid myelitis, which can cause sudden muscle weakness and paralysis.
Based on recent wastewater scans DashboardThe non-profit organization that analyzes wastewater for infectious diseases found that 245 of 318 samples tested positive for the EV-D68 virus in the past 10 days.
Symptoms of EV-D68:
Infection usually presents with a range of symptoms symptom It starts with mild symptoms, such as a stuffy or runny nose, cough, fever and muscle aches, similar to a common cold. As the infection progresses, symptoms may escalate, leading to more serious problems such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.
In some cases, a few days to two weeks after onset, patients may develop acute flaccid myelitis, causing weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. The condition can also cause symptoms such as drooping of the eyelids, difficulty moving the eyes, facial numbness, and pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs.
infect:
Enterovirus D68 is a contagious by contact A disease mainly spread through respiratory secretions (including saliva, nasal mucus and phlegm) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with infected feces if proper hand hygiene is not maintained after changing a diaper or using the toilet. Additionally, the virus can be spread by sharing eating utensils or cups with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs and toys.
treat:
If you have mild symptoms, you can usually control the infection at home with over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce fever and pain. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest to support your recovery. Taking a hot bath or sitting in a steam room can help relieve nasal congestion.
However, it is important to seek help from a medical professional if you develop severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, or signs of acute flaccid myelitis, such as slurred speech, weakness, confusion, or paralysis.
prevention:
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent EV-D68 infection, but effective preventive measures can reduce the risk of transmission. Good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough can help limit the spread. Infection can also be prevented by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as toys, phones, and doorknobs, and by avoiding sharing utensils, cups, towels, or clothing. It is also important to keep yourself or your children away from school and gatherings if you feel unwell.