CDC warns of a mysterious illness similar to polio that paralyzes children

A mysterious illness that makes sick and even cripples kids this week is pushing federal health officials to seek the assistance of a doctor as soon as someone develops his or her symptoms.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AMF), an extremely rare but serious disease that affects the nervous system and weakens muscles and reflexes of the body, is increasing throughout the country, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday.

Despite this alarm, the polio-like illness has many unknowns, including its cause and why it affects more children than adults. "Over 90% of cases involve children 18 years and under," said Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, at a CDC press conference.

"Despite extensive laboratory testing, we did not determine which pathogen or immune response caused weakness and paralysis of the arm or leg in most patients," she said.

Viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders are among the presumed causes of the disease, which often begins with fever, breathing problems and muscle weakness. To help prevent the spread of the disease, the CDC recommends that you wash your hands thoroughly, keep up-to-date with vaccines, and use a mosquito repellent to prevent stings.

The long-term effects are not known and the results have been different for patients, some recovering quickly and others having lasting paralysis and requiring continuous care. There was one death confirmed last year, the CDC said Tuesday.

Robin Roberts of Richmond, Va., Spoke with NBC News about the death of his five-year-old son Carter last month after he became paralyzed by the nose due to of the disease in 2016.

"I think I would tell parents to be vigilant looking for the arms and legs that are not working, that disc-shaped head, those respiratory symptoms that do not seem to match other basic diseases," she declared.

According to the CDC, the number of patients with symptoms of AFM increases each year in August and September. So far this year, there have been 62 confirmed cases in 22 states.

The number of confirmed cases has been increasing since the end of 2014, when 120 cases were confirmed from August to December in 34 states.

The following year, there were 22 confirmed cases in 17 states and in 2016, 149 cases in 39 jurisdictions, including the treatment center. In 2017, 33 confirmed cases in 16 states. The United States has had 386 confirmed cases since August 2014.

"As a parent myself, I understand what it's like to be afraid for your child. Parents need to know that AFM is very rare, even with the increase in the number of cases we are currently seeing, "said Messonnier. "We recommend that you seek immediate medical attention if you or your child develops a sudden weakness of the arms or legs."