Enterovirus linked to muscle weakness, paralysis

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Is enterovirus 68 causing muscle weakness and possibly permanent paralysis in some patients?

That's the question doctors are trying to answer as they track more cases across the country.

At Children's Hospital Colorado in Denver, a tenth case was reported of a child coming down with semi-paralysis of his or her limbs and muscle weakness a week after the onset of respiratory illness. Some patients between the ages of one to 18 have been affected more than others.

"The spectrum is varying right now from mild weakness in one limb to weakness in all four limbs," said Dr. Joyce Oleszek with the hospital.

The new, serious symptom emerged in the midst of an ongoing outbreak of enterovirus 68. Of the handful of patients experiencing muscle weakness, four have been confirmed to have the virus.

Officials are still investigating whether there is a true connection.

"At this point, we do not know what the etiology is. We don't have a cause of what all these cases are due to," Children's Hospital Colorado's Sam Dominguez said.

Some of the affected children are also having trouble swallowing and breathing. Through MRI scans, doctors have spotted lesions in the brainstem and cranial nerves.

"In a circumstance like that, the virus actually infects the central nervous system, the spinal cord, causes injury to some of the cells, and that's what causes the paralysis," said William Haffner with Vanderbilt University.

At this point, doctors are unsure if the muscle weakness will be permanent, but all of the patients are undergoing aggressive rehab therapy. Five have been discharged.

Despite the cluster of cases, doctors say parents should not panic.

Dr. Peter Koetters, a local pediatrician, says parents can help prevent the spread of illness by ensuring their kids wash their hands. Those with asthmatic children should try their best to control symptoms and know when to seek medical care.

"If you're having trouble breathing... if it feels like you're having a very high fever or very achy, then those would be reasons you might want to go to your doctor," Koetters said.