Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Reports First Case of Enterovirus D68 in Los Angeles

Infectious Diseases Expert Offers Parents Tips on How to Recognize Enterovirus Symptoms in Their Children

Grace Aldrovandi, MD, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. (Photo: Business Wire)

LOS ANGELES--()--In September, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) physicians predicted it was a matter of when, and not if, Los Angeles children would become infected with Enterovirus EV-D68, commonly referred to as enterovirus D68. On Oct. 1, that day came. CHLA and public health officials announced that a young patient who had been hospitalized at CHLA with a respiratory illness and later experienced partial limb paralysis had tested positive for enterovirus D68.

The symptoms of the virus typically show up as those of a bad cold - coughing, a runny nose, muscle aches or fever. In rare instances, children testing positive for enterovirus D68 have experienced limb paralysis, which can be a symptom of the virus.

For more information on how parents can recognize enterovirus D68 symptoms and when they should seek medical help for their kids, go here.

“It’s unclear why the virus affects children in this way but scientists and health officials are trying to find answers on why it appears to attack the nervous system,” explains Grace Aldrovandi, MD, chief of CHLA’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “While officials can’t say for certain that enterovirus D68 is causing paralysis, there does appear to be a strong association.”

The young CHLA patient was hospitalized for almost three weeks and returned home in September. The child continues to experience some limb paralysis, but doctors are hopeful of a full recovery.

However, in most kids with enterovirus D68, it will be hard to tell the difference between a bad cold and the virus, says Pia Pannaraj, MD, infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Pannaraj explains how parents can recognize and treat their kids’ symptoms and when to seek medical attention. She also discusses enterovirus D68 symptoms and treatment on a CHLA-produced video.

What is enterovirus D68?

Pannaraj: “It is a virus that causes cold-like symptoms and that is currently being seen in the Midwest. It has been around since the 1960’s and was first discovered in California with just a few clusters of cases. Now it is showing itself again and is slowly creeping across the country.”

How frightened should parents be about their kids getting enterovirus D68?

Pannaraj: “It has mostly affected the Midwest but has just been found in California. In many kids, it will cause a bad cold, but in children with asthma, it can exacerbate their asthma to the point where they may need medical attention.”

Are children with underlying conditions more susceptible to enterovirus D68?

Pannaraj: “So far, 70 percent of those having underlying respiratory illness, like asthma, make up the children being hospitalized.”

How can parents differentiate between a bad cold and this virus?

Pannaraj: “It will be difficult to distinguish the two since enterovirus will cause a cold. Children will usually present with a cough as their main symptom. Other symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, and body and muscle aches. However, a fever is not very common with enterovirus  D68. The children who become very ill with enterovirus D68 develop wheezing and difficulty breathing.”

What are some prevention tips?

Pannaraj: “Good hand washing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; cough and sneeze into your arm; and avoid other children who appear sick. It can spread easily and anywhere, especially at schools, where infection risks are higher because you have more kids in close quarters. It is airborne and contagious.”

How should parents treat their kids’ symptoms?

Pannaraj: “Rest and hydration. Treat them the same way you would a bad cold. Keep the kids out of school.”

Is there a vaccine for enterovirus D68?

Pannaraj: “Unfortunately, a vaccine is not available at this time.”

When should parents seek medical attention for their kids?

Pannaraj: “If their child is wheezing, having trouble breathing, coughing so much that they cannot talk, or having difficulty drinking, they should seek medical attention. Children with asthma should be prepared with medical inhalers as needed.”

About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children’s hospital on the West Coast and among the top five in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll. Children’s Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. Children’s Hospital is also one of America's premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

For more information, visit CHLA.org. Follow us on TwitterFacebookYouTube and LinkedIn, or visit our blog: WeTreatKidsBetter.org.

Contacts

Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Lorenzo Benet, 323-361-4823
lbenet@chla.usc.edu

Release Summary

Children's Hospital Los Angeles reports first confirmed case of enterovirus D68 in Los Angeles. Infectious diseases expert offers parents tips on how to recognize the virus in their children.

Contacts

Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Lorenzo Benet, 323-361-4823
lbenet@chla.usc.edu