Two St. Louis children have possible paralysis linked to virus

Doctors at St. Louis Children’s Hospital say two children are being treated for muscle weakness or possible paralysis that might be linked to enterovirus 68.

Dr. Greg Storch told KMOV-TV that the specific virus is often difficult to detect.

Doctors say most of those suffering from enterovirus 68 won’t suffer paralysis. They say that over the last few months, hundreds of children from the St. Louis area have been treated for severe respiratory illnesses that could be linked to the outbreak.

The virus has sickened more than 500 people in 43 states and Washington, D.C. – most of them children.

Paralysis occurs when a virus attacks the spinal cord. It can be temporary or long-lasting.

Milder symptoms include a cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing and body aches.