Dallas Boy Fighting for His Life After Enterovirus Diagnosis

DALLAS (WLS) -- An 11-year-old Texas boy is fighting for his life after testing positive for enterovirus, which may be related to a deadly strain that has sickened hundreds of people all over the country.

Bryan Sotelo is one of two dozen patients in seven states suffering from paralysis in connection with the severe respiratory illness. Doctors are testing to see if he has been infected with EV-D68, a strain that has been linked to four deaths nationwide.

Yadira Garcilazo, Sotelo's mother, says her son's condition continues to worsen. He's currently going through intensive physical therapy in Dallas, and is too weak to speak or lift his right arm, according to ABC News.

"When he got sick, I never think that he's going to be like that," Garcilazo said. "He can beat this... He has shown me so many things... He can do it."

Enterovirus 68 has been confirmed in 43 states and Washington, D.C., and has mostly affected children. Doctors say it's uncertain whether children who have been affected by paralysis because of the virus will get their strength back.