DENVER - State health officials confirmed a tenth case of paralysis affecting children who have recently had respiratory infections. Medical experts made the announcement Monday at Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora.
Dr. Sam Dominguez says outside of the respiratory problems, there is no common link between cases. 'There are no commonalities as far as where they live, schools or day cares they attend.'
The hospital says before Monday, four of the children admitted tested positive for enterovirus 68, and four others for the rhinovirus (which causes the common cold). The other was not tested.
The patients range in age from between 1 and 18. The first case appeared on august 8th.
The public health department says the children had been diagnosed with a condition that causes an inflammation of the spinal cord.
National and local medical experts say even with the occurrence of cases since August, these kinds of complications are rare, and parents should not panic.
Dr. Larry Wolk, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health says, 'We're doing a very thorough investigation with the CDC and we'll be sure to let folks know if there's more reason to be more concerned.'
Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a national alert for doctors in all states to watch for patients suffering from limb weakness accompanied by lesions on the spine.
Doctors say if your child experiences any sign of weakness in a limb or an inability to speak you should take them to the emergency room.
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Post a Comment