Rare paralyzing illness in children could see a spike in the US due to virus detected in wastewater data.

According to a report from WastewaterSCAN, elevated levels of a respiratory virus linked to paralysis in children have been detected in wastewater samples, raising concerns about a potential increase in cases in the U.S.

According to Cleveland Clinic's website, enterovirus D68 is one of the 100 non-polio enteroviruses.

The clinic pointed out that neurological complications resulting from the virus are "uncommon."

Dr. Sharon Nachman, head of the pediatric infectious diseases division at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that this specific enteroviral cousin circulates in the summer like all its others, but it causes a unique issue.

"The spinal cord can be paralyzed due to its nerves being affected."

Recent wastewater data suggests that the virus is currently experiencing an "on year," according to Nachman.

What to know about wastewater data

The Stanford University-based nonprofit, in collaboration with Emory University, monitors wastewater sewage samples nationwide for infectious diseases to alert public health officials, as stated on its website.

The organization also provides its data to the CDC's NWSS.

The CDC pointed out that wastewater samples can reveal early warning signs of infectious diseases in a community, even before symptoms appear.

According to Nachman, wastewater can serve as a reliable indicator of whether a virus is present in the environment, as reported to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"So the take-home message is that this virus is circulating."

According to WastewaterSCAN's data from Sept. 21, 306 out of 400 sewage samples tested positive for enterovirus D68 in the last 10 days, with the virus levels being classified as "moderate."

Symptoms and complications

Experts say that in most people, the infection results in mild symptoms similar to a cold, including a runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, body aches, and sore throat.

In some instances, it has been associated with severe respiratory symptoms and a nervous system disorder known as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).

The CDC states that AFM can result from the EV-D68 virus affecting the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and even paralysis.

AFM, or acute flaccid myelitis, is a rare but serious illness that can resemble polio and cause paralysis in children, as described by Dr. Aaron Glatt, the chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York.

"Wastewater is a good surrogate marker for whether a virus is circulating in the environment."

Physical therapy can treat the temporary paralysis by addressing the underlying weakness.

According to Nachman, there are only a few instances of permanent paralysis.

The CDC pointed out that infants, children, and teenagers are at the highest risk of developing symptoms related to EV-D68.

Children with asthma also have a higher risk of severe illness.

During the summer and fall months in the U.S., EV-D68 tends to peak, according to the CDC.

Prevention and treatment

Experts say that the virus usually spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces.

Nachman advised that children should avoid sharing drinks, cups, and utensils to prevent potential spread.

The Cleveland Clinic also recommends disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, practicing proper hand-washing hygiene, and keeping children at home when they are sick as additional prevention methods.

If a child complains about leg weakness or difficulty walking, it could be a sign of EV-D68, according to Nachman.

Parents should contact a pediatrician if they notice these symptoms.

"It's better to choose your child's pediatrician, who is an expert on them, over an urgent care walk-in center that doesn't know them," said Nachman.

Severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, slurred speech, weakness, or paralysis require immediate medical attention.

To confirm the diagnosis, a blood test, lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or MRI may be necessary after ruling out the flu and COVID, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral medication available for enterovirus D68.

According to Nachman, treatment usually involves providing care for symptoms and physical therapy if weakness develops.

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A CDC representative stated that the agency has not yet issued a statement or HAN regarding EV-D68 when contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Planet Chronicle Digital also reached out WastewaterSCAN requesting comment.