Enterovirus cases rise

More than a dozen children in California, 4 in Southland, have been diagnosed with enterovirus D- 68.

More than a dozen children in California have been diagnosed with the infection.

The number of confirmed California cases of enterovirus D- 68 has risen to 14, public health officials announced Friday.

The cases affected children from 1 to 15 years old. In Southern California, two cases were in Los Angeles County, one was in Riverside County and another was in Ventura County, according to the state Department of Public Health.

The arrival of the virus in California has been much slower relative to the rest of the country, where at least 500 cases have been confirmed. The virus has been associated, rarely, with severe breathing trouble and, even more rarely, with neurological symptoms, including poliolike muscle weakness.

Only one California case this year has involved partial paralysis: a child treated at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Gil Chavez, the state epidemiologist, said he expected more cases to be discovered across the state, but added: “We are pleased that the number of confirmed cases is not growing as rapidly as it is elsewhere.”

Enterovirus D- 68 is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and body and muscle aches. Some children have more serious symptoms, with breathing difficulty and wheezing, particularly children with a history of asthma.

State health officials advise parents to seek medical attention immediately for children with breathing difficulty. They also advise washing hands often, especially after changing diapers, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

The virus’ season typically stretches from late summer to early fall.