What are the complications of enterovirus D68?

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What are the complications of enterovirus D68?

People who have breathing difficulties or develop problems like pneumonia need hospitalization. During the 2014 outbreak, 14 people died, and more than 130 children developed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). There was also a jump in the number of children developing AFM after the EV-D68 outbreaks in 2016 and 2018.

Experts believe the virus may settle in spinal fluid, leading to AFM. Signs of AFM appear suddenly and are similar to that of a stroke:

  • Arm or leg weakness.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Facial drooping.

AFM typically develops a few weeks after a child recovers from a respiratory infection. Seek immediate medical attention if AFM symptoms appear.

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