"Polio-like" cases in New Jersey not linked to US outbreak, say officials



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NEWARK – The number of reported cases of polio-like illness, called acute flaccid myelitis (MAA), has increased in the United States, officials said Wednesday.

The CDC reported that there were 116 confirmed cases of MFA in 31 states, including six in New Jersey.

AFM is a rare disease that affects a person's nervous system, especially the spinal cord. AFM or neurological conditions like this have a variety of causes such as viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders. It mainly affects children, according to the CDC.

The State Department of Health stated that there was no indication that cases here would be related to each other or to other states.

"The Department is involved in the CDC's efforts to strengthen the surveillance of flaccid acute myelitis, requiring clinicians to voluntarily report suspected cases," said Dawn Thomas, spokesperson for the Department of Health. . "We asked them to remain alert to suspected MFA cases and report them to the ministry, worked with health care providers who reported suspected cases to us, and worked closely with the CDC to investigate these reports. "

Thomas said surveillance showed that MFA cases generally peaked in September and October. The cause of most AFM cases remains unknown.

The CDC stated that patients' symptoms were very similar to the complications of infection with certain viruses, including polioviruses, non-polio enteroviruses, adenoviruses and West Nile virus. They include the sudden onset of weakness of the arms or legs and loss of muscle tone and reflexes.

Some people will experiment:


  • sagging face / weakness

  • difficulty moving your eyes

  • droopy eyelids

  • difficulty swallowing or difficulty speaking.

See as well …

Anti-vaxxers are growing in New Jersey: How are your schools immune? MAP

Dan Johnson reporter contact at [email protected] or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

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