An alert has been issued about an increase in cases of acute flaccid paralysis, linked to enterovirus infection.
Some 28 cases have been reported in England so far this year, mostly since September, Public Health England said.
12 of the cases have been linked to enterovirus infection. Altogether laboratories have diagnosed 68 cases in England of infection with a specific enterovirus, EV-D68.
Dr Mary Ramsay, from the agency, said doctors should report suspected cases to the agency.
She said: “We are investigating potential causes and working hard to build better awareness amongst health care professionals about how to test and manage patients with AFP. We are ensuring up-to-date information is available for patients and their families who may be affected.
“PHE is looking into the potential causes of the apparent rise in reports of AFP, including the role of EV-D68 or other infections. This will include ensuring that healthcare professionals’ are aware of and can access guidance on the investigation and management of such cases.”
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