CDPHE, CDC investigate outbreak of viral infections; most associated with enterovirus A71

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate an outbreak of viral infections with neurologic complications among young children. Testing by the CDC shows most of these cases are associated with enterovirus A71.
    This year, Colorado has had 41 cases of enterovirus A71 infections associated with neurologic illness in children. As part of this outbreak, Colorado also has had 14 cases of acute flaccid myelitis. Of the AFM cases, 11 tested positive for enterovirus A71, one tested positive for enterovirus D68, and two tested negative for enteroviruses.
    While all the patients were hospitalized, nearly all have fully recovered. There have been no deaths.
    Acute flaccid myelitis is a condition that affects the spinal cord; most patients who get it have a sudden onset of limb weakness, and most recover from the illness.

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