Acute flaccid myelitis: an unusual number of Minn children. Contract a rare disease with symptoms similar to polio

Health investigators are trying to understand how some children in Minnesota have contracted a rare disease with symptoms similar to polio. Since September 20, at least six children in Minnesota have been diagnosed and hospitalized for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). On average, the Minnesota Department of Health sees only about one case a year.

Health experts say the disease can lead to paralysis and even death.

For a boy from Minneapolis, he started having trouble moving while he was recovering from a cold. Elaine and Michael Young said that shortly after their four-year-old son Orville developed a fever, in July he began to lose mobility in his right arm.

"I said," Hey buddy, can you lift your right arm? "And he said," I can not, "Elaine said.

The Young say that the doctors have passed several tests, but have approached a diagnosis after a second MRI. "This results in an abnormality in the spine," Elaine said.

Orville was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, and spent six days in the hospital. At worst, according to the Young, Orville was unable to move the upper part of his right arm and had trouble moving his legs and sitting down.

Michael Young said, "I felt so sad for him that this thing we did not know and can not protect did happen and he often took a lot of trouble."

Since mid-September, six children under the age of 10 have been hospitalized and diagnosed with MFA in Minnesota. Viral infections are a possible way to develop.

"It's very, very rare, it's about one in a million," said Kris Ehresmann of the Minnesota Department of Health.

AFM affects the spinal cord. Symptoms may include limb weakness, a drooping face and difficulty swallowing or talking. Ehresmann said: "If you have a child with these types of symptoms, you should see them and evaluate them immediately."

The Young say that Orville has regained the essential of his muscular function, except in the upper right arm. They do not know if he can move it again.

Correspondent Jamie Yucca asked, "How confusing for him?"

"You know, he's a soldier," said Elaine Young.

Michael added, "He's remarkably capable of understanding what's going on, it's a bit like a day, when we're worried for the rest of his life."

Orville is in therapy and is at risk for surgery.

Since 2014, more than 360 cases of AFD have been reported in the United States. Many doctors do not know it and there is no specific treatment.

Avoiding germs may help reduce the risk of contracting the disease, including washing your hands or keeping up to date on immunization.