Nationally, acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) – a mysterious muscle weakness similar to polio that has potentially been linked to one strain of enterovirus – is unexpectedly affecting otherwise healthy children.
If “enterovirus” sounds familiar, it’s because there was an enterovirus D68 outbreak here in 2014. The symptoms of this respiratory infection were similar to the flu or the common cold:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Body and muscle aches
Parents were urged to seek medical help if their child appeared to have trouble breathing or began wheezing, but most children were expected to be back on their feet within a week or two.
Unfortunately, the new strain of enterovirus that has potentially been linked to AFM has entirely different symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists them as such:
- Sudden onset of limb weakness
- Loss of muscle tone and reflexes
Some patients may also experience facial droop/weakness, difficulty moving the eyes, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing or slurred speech. It is considered far more serious, and parents should seek medical help if they suspect their child has been exposed. Fifty cases have been reported in 24 states across the country, according to NBC News.
The big question is: Do you need to be worried about this strain of enterovirus in Northern Kentucky?
A representative from the Northern Kentucky Health Department informed us that they have not reported any cases locally, but have been asked by the CDC to voluntarily report any cases that do flair up in Kentucky.
Patricia Burns, the manager of infection control for St. Elizabeth Healthcare, confirmed this, “We have been following national reports of the syndrome and have been in communication with the [Northern Kentucky Health Department]. Neither office has reported any cases, nor are we aware of any in our region.”
At this time, there are no vaccines for this strain of enterovirus, so the best defense against AFM is good hygiene:
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Wash your hands
Follow the Northern Kentucky Health Department and St. Elizabeth Healthcare on Twitter for the latest updates.
