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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have received reports of 127 patients under investigation for acute flaccid myelitis this year.
Of these, 62 were confirmed by the CDC and the others continue to be investigated, said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Disease respiratory system. Confirmed cases are in 22 states.
Acute flaccid myelitis, also called MAF, is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system and suddenly weakens muscles and reflexes. Specifically, the disease affects the area of the spinal cord called gray matter. As the symptoms are similar, AFM is often confused with polio, a disabling and potentially fatal disease caused by a virus.
According to the analysis of cases reported in recent years, the average age of patients in all cases confirmed in the last five years is only 4 years. More than 90% of cases occur in children 18 years old and younger. Although the AFM did not kill this year, there was one death in 2017.
"The CDC are actively investigating the AFM, testing samples and monitoring the disease since 2014, when we saw a first increase in the number of cases," said Messonnier. "Most AFM cases occur in the late summer and fall," which she termed "seasonal cluster". No geographical grouping has been found and there is no other unifying factor to explain the peaks, "she added.
Although the AFM is not unique to the United States, Mr. Messonnier said: "No one else has attended a seasonal reunion every two years." unable to find a cause in the majority of these cases, "she said. "At the present time, we know that poliovirus is not the cause of these cases of AFM.
The CDC tested all stool samples of all AFM patients. None of the samples were tested positive for poliovirus.
"The AFM can be caused by other viruses, including enteroviruses, environmental toxins, and a state in which the immune system attacks and destroys the tissues that it takes for foreign bodies," he said. Messonnier.It is a mystery until now, and we have not yet solved it yet, so we have to think in general terms. "
More broadly, she noted, "we do not know much about the AFM".
For example, the CDC does not know who is most likely to develop AFM or why some are at higher risk, she said. The public health agency also does not fully understand the long-term consequences or reasons why some patients recover quickly while others continue to experience weaknesses.
On Monday, CNN contacted the health departments of all states and received responses from 48 states and the District of Columbia. CNN discovered 47 confirmed cases and 49 others suspected or under investigation, for a total of 96 cases in 30 states in 2018. Fifteen states reported that they had confirmed cases this year. year.
Asked about the discrepancy between the CDC's report of 22 states and the CNN report on 30 states with cases, Mr. Messonnier said: "The 22 states we report are those with confirmed cases. there will be a delay, a delay in the timing of some of these reports. "
The CDC does not say how many states have patients under investigation, but only more than 22.
Messonnier added that confirmation of each case requires a review of images and symptoms of MRI, "so it will take a little late to confirm this information".
States report their cases to the CDC, said Messonnier. Even though it is too early to understand how the current season compares to previous ones, the country is "on track with what has happened in 2014 and 2016" and will likely have the same number of cases.
"It's a pretty dramatic disease," said Messonnier. With the sudden onset of weakness, patients "generally seek medical care" and are assessed by neurologists, infectious disease specialists and pediatricians. "We think the majority of cases catch our attention."
The CDC urges parents to be aware of this condition and seek immediate treatment if family members develop sudden weakness or loss of muscle tone in the arms or legs.
The agency also announced that it would publish the number of cases each week on its website.
"As we work to better understand the cause of the AFM, parents can help protect their children by washing their hands, keeping abreast of the recommended vaccinations and using an insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites." "said Messonnier.
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