A case of paralytic disease similar to polio is found in West Virginia

HUNTINGTON, West Virginia (AP) – The Department of Health and Human Resources of West Virginia has confirmed the case of a polio-like illness that can cause paralyzing symptoms and prove fatal.

According to the Huntington Herald-Dispatch, this is the first case confirmed in the state of the United States this year and only third since the state began tracking the disease in 2014. L & H Agency has not disclosed any information about the patient or his location.

The disease affects the spinal cord and brainstem. It can cause complete paralysis within seven days and complete recovery is rare. This is one of many cases of acute flaccid myelitis confirmed across the country this year; Nebraska, North Carolina and Utah also have confirmed cases. Last year, 228 cases were confirmed in the country.