Polio-Like Disease Affecting Children Spreads Across the Country, with Confirmed Cases in Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – There is no vaccine and no treatment for a frightening disease reminiscent of polio.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis affects the spinal cord, leading to loss of movement in one or more arms or legs.

Doctors say AFM is likely a rare complication from a common virus, but they are not sure which one, and it mostly affects children.

“It will start with a respiratory illness and a fever,” explains pediatric specialist Dr. Samuel Dominguez.

Atrium Health says patients have been treated at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, but they did not say if the patients are local.

So far 62 cases have been confirmed in 22 states including North and South Carolina.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says another 127 suspected cases are under investigation.

“Over the last four years, it seems to be an every other year pattern,” Dominguez explains.

The CDC says there were 33 cases nationwide last year and only 22 in 2015.

Cases spiked at nearly 150 in 2016 and 120 back in 2014.

Doctors say symptoms come on suddenly and you should be concerned if your child shows arm or leg pain, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, or drooping in their eyes or face.

To prevent AFM, doctors say do the same things you would do to prevent the cold or flu – wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid people who are sick.

Also, make sure you are up to date on vaccinations. Some cases have been linked to West Nile Virus, so use insect repellent and avoid going outside when mosquitoes are active.