From Sfgate · · 1m 10s
EV-D68 Virus Rises in Bay Area
EV-D68 virus, linked to rare polio-like illness, surges in Bay Area wastewater data.
In brief
EV-D68 virus, linked to rare polio-like illness, surges in Bay Area wastewater data. EV-D68 virus rates are rising in Bay Area cities, increasing risk of severe illness in children. Originally reported by Sfgate.
EV-D68 Virus Rising
Rates of enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults but can lead to rare polio-like illness in small children, are rising in multiple Bay Area cities.
High EV-D68 Levels
WastewaterSCAN data shows high and rising concentrations of EV-D68 in Palo Alto, Napa, southeast San Francisco, and San Rafael.
EV-D68 Symptoms
Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, muscle aches, and can lead to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, or acute flaccid myelitis in vulnerable children.
AFM Risk
Acute flaccid myelitis, a dangerous neurological condition causing muscle weakness and loss of reflexes, can develop in children weeks after EV-D68 infection.
Expert Warning
Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious diseases specialist at UCSF, says infants are most at risk for severe EV-D68 complications.
Public Health Advice
Bay Area residents should get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines and wash hands to prevent severe EV-D68 illness, especially for high-risk groups.
The takeaway
EV-D68 virus rates are rising in Bay Area cities, increasing risk of severe illness in children.
