Wolfson Children's Hospital confirmed it has seen its first case of a mysterious, polio-like illness affecting children throughout the country.
Acute flaccid myelitis has been reported in at least 22 states in 2018. The CDC says 62 cases have been confirmed, and an additional 65 illnesses are being investigated.
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Dr. Jose Irazuzta at Wolfson says the illness comes in clusters so they expect even more cases to pop up.
The Centers for Disease Control says the serious condition affects a person’s nervous system, specifically the spinal cord. It causes weakness in one or more limbs and can leave patients paralyzed.
CBS News reports additional symptoms can include facial drooping or weakness, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech.
The CDC reports AFM or neurologic conditions like it have a variety of causes including viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders.
Most cases since 2014 have been in children, according to the CDC.
Read more on the CDC website.
Wolfson Children’s Hosptial confirms its first case of acute flaccid myelitis of 2018. The signs and symptoms parents should watch out for and the reason doctors say the illness is difficult to treat, at 6 on @ActionNewsJax. pic.twitter.com/s8BxqKuA6F
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) October 16, 2018
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