3 suspected cases of polio-like illness reported in Alabama

Officials with the Alabama Department of Public Health say three possible cases of Accute flaccid myelitis are under investigation in Alabama.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating 127 suspected cases of the condition nationwide. AFM affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, causing muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak. The disease often results in paralysis, prompting the comparisons to polio, the once-feared disease that’s been virtually wiped out by vaccinations.

It is a rare condition, but the CDC noted an increase in reported cases that began in 2014. Since then, there have been 386 confirmed cases of AFM in the U.S., including 62 cases across 22 states reported in 2018. Thirty-three cases were reported by the CDC in 2017.

ADPH Epidemiologist Amanda Ingram told AL.com the CDC is testing the samples from Alabama patients. The CDC will determine if the samples are positive for AFM.

The cases were reported from hospitals in Birmingham a Mobile. However, information about where the patients live was unavailable.

“The problem with AFM is that there’s really no clear indication of what’s causing it,” Ingram told AL.com. “It’s caused by a virus, but don’t know what the virus is.”

CDC confirms 62 cases of polio-like illness; reported in 22 states

Previously, AFM has been associated with enterovirus, which started in Colorado, she said.

Symptoms include sudden onset of arm or leg weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes. Some people will also experience facial drooping or weakness, difficulty moving their eyes, drooping eyelids or difficulty swallowing or speaking. Parents are advised to seek medical attention immediately if a child develops any of these symptoms.

ADPH is urging people to practice proper handwashing and avoid going out in public if you are sick.