Health officials are investigating, as four Calgary children are experiencing symptoms similar to those found in cases in the U.S. and British Columbia – which have been linked to the enterovirus.
According to AHS the four children patients are all in hospital, and have all experienced muscle weakness in their limbs.
“We’ve seen four cases of acute neurologic syndrome of children in Alberta,” Dr. Gerry Predy with Alberta Health Services said.
Meanwhile, the enterovirus diagnosis in those four patients has not been confirmed, but Predy said most of them are showing symptoms of the virus.
Those cases are the latest in a series of similar developments, including in British Columbia where two children are showing signs of flaccid paralysis.
“We’re investigating a potential association between enterovirus 68 and flaccid paralysis,” Dr. Neil Rau, an infectious disease expert, said. “When you think about how enterovirus is distantly related to the polio virus this is a possible association.”
Officials said one of the children in B.C. is on a breathing machine.
Rau called the paralysis a concerning link, but he warned against overreaction.
“Even though we are describing a very frightening complication of this virus, there have probably been millions upon millions of benign cases,” Rau said.
Predy said there are a few things people can do to protect themselves: wash their hands regularly, keep hands away from their faces, and avoid people who are sneezing or coughing.
“Just because your child has a cold or a respiratory infection is no reason for parents to be upset,” Predy said. “What we’re advising is they following the proper precautions.”
Officials advised parents that if a child is exhibiting signs of extreme muscle weakness, contact a doctor immediately.
In Alberta, 50 people have been infected with enterovirus, including 13 in Edmonton and 29 in Calgary.
Health officials said it isn’t known if the strain of D68 in Canada is the same one that’s spread throughout the United States.
With files from Susan Amerongen
