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More and more possible cases of a rare virus resembling polio have been reported, according to health officials.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have investigated more than 360 cases of acute flaccid myelitis dating back to 2014. This disorder, which mainly affects children, can paralyze the arms and legs of the child.
Maryland health officials told WBAL-TV that there had been four possible cases of MFA in the state. The Minnesota Department of Health recently announced that six cases have been reported in children under 10 in its state.
The CDC reports that the cause of most cases of AFM is unknown, but some cases have been linked to poliovirus (polio) and West Nile virus. The symptoms of AFM are extremely similar to poliovirus, West Nile virus and adenoviruses, making diagnosis difficult for doctors.
The drooping face and eyelids, the difficult movements of the eyes and swallowing, and slurred speech are some of the symptoms. In severe cases, children may have difficulty breathing and need a ventilator due to muscle weakness.
More: What is acute flaccid myelitis, the mysterious polio-like disorder that affects children?
More: According to the CDC, a rare and polio-like stun disorder affects children
There is no specific treatment for AFM, and long-term results for patients with AFM are unknown.
Although the number of cases has been rising since 2014, the MFA still affects a small population – less than one in a million people in the United States per year.
The CDC recommends that people follow the normal steps of disease prevention to avoid AFM, including keeping up to date on vaccines, hand washing and mosquito bites.
Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets
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