Enterovirus D68 Detected in U.S. Wastewater, Raising Concerns Over Polio-like Symptoms

Sep 17, 2024, 01:12 PM

Wastewater samples have detected a significant escalation in an enterovirus called D68 across the U.S. The virus, which can cause polio-like symptoms and sometimes paralyzes children, has been linked to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe weakness in the arms and legs. Experts have raised concerns about a potential rise in these illnesses, as levels of EV-D68 nucleic acids in wastewater are increasing.