Another child is experiencing partial paralysis after contracting a viral respiratory illness in Colorado, bringing the number of cases to 12, the Denver Post reported on Tuesday.
The most recent case occurred at Denver Health Medical Center. Children's Hospital Colorado is where the first 11 cases were reported, and where three children are still hospitalized.
Enterovirus D-68 is being investigated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being the link to the partial paralysis seen in the children. The virus is suspected in an outbreak of severe respiratory illness and cold systems in children and adults across the nation.
The patient in Denver was treated and released last week, according to Denver health officials.
Children's Hospital Colorado is seeing a 12 to 15 percent increase in patients with respiratory distress; equating to more than 4,600 patients. Many are treated quickly and released without further hospitalization, but the muscle weakness or partial paralysis is a rare complication.
One mother, who did not identify herself, said her daughter began having trouble lifting her arm and her grip weakened, according to Fox 31.
Though only four of 12 patients with paralysis - like cases tested positive of the Enterovirus D - 68, making it harder for doctors to find a possible link, it is known that symptoms are caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.
The virus can be treated with antibiotics and hand washing is said to be the best way to prevent infection. The virus is said have hit its peak in September and is now slowing down.
