asthma

Two Cases of Enterovirus Confirmed in LA County

The children were treated at a hospital in Long Beach and Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Two cases of enterovirus D68 have been confirmed in Los Angeles County and both involve children, one of whom suffered limb weakness that made it difficult to move, doctors said.

"The child appeared to have normal respiratory fever, runny nose and then after almost a week having those symptoms woke up unable to move a limb," said Dr. Grace Aldrovandi,
infectious disease chief at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

It has not been determined whether the enterovirus infection caused the weakness, and doctors are hopeful the child will regain full movement in all limbs, she added.

On Wednesday, an official with Children's Hospital confirmed the second case of infection in Los Angeles County. The child, who is between the age of five and 10, was admitted in August about a week after suffering an upper respiratory infection, doctors said.

The first confirmed case of the respiratory illness in Los Angeles County involves a child younger than 5 years old, who was treated at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach. David Michalik, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, said the child, who was hospitalized for a week and is now fine at home, needed one-on-one care, the Associated Press reported.

"This child had wet cough, had trouble breathing was breathing fast had a fast heart rate, and had a high fever," Michalik said.

Enterovirus 68 can cause mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support for breathing difficulties. Children with asthma have been especially vulnerable.

The virus has been reported in more than 40 states.

Symptoms of D68 infection are similar to those of a cold and include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and body and muscle aches. More severe symptoms include wheezing and difficulty breathing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The virus spreads through an infected individual's saliva, nasal mucus or sputum, according to the CDC. Infants, children and teens are most likely to be infected and become ill, the CDC reported.

"It is important to note that while enteroviruses are very common, especially among children, most cases of enterovirus will not lead to serious illness," Gunzenhauser said. "Acute limb weakness and other neurological symptoms are uncommon with any enterovirus, including EV-D68.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

LeBron James scores 25, D'Angelo Russell ties Lakers 3-pointers record in 136-105 win over Hawks

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites, lighting up the sky in parts of SoCal

"The best way to prevent the spread of this illness is through simple hand washing, and other basic hygiene. We recommend that all residents, especially children, wash their hands frequently with soap and water; avoid touching their face with their hands; and stay home when sick."

Parents who are just now hearing of the virus are taking heed to the warnings.

"Wash your hands, keep washing your hands, sanitizers keep clean," said Erma Sandoval.
"And not too much contact with other kids."

Fact Sheet: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NBC4's Hetty Chang contributed to this report.

Contact Us