NEWS 62 Cases Of 'Polio-Like' Illness Causing Paralysis In Children Confirmed Across 22 States

At least 62 cases of a “polio-like” illness causing paralysis in children have been confirmed across 22 states so far this year, the CDC reports.

The exact cause of the illness — Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) — is unknown, although it has been linked to a number of viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders.

The condition, which largely affects children, often begins with an upper respiratory infection, progresses to weakness, and leaves victims paralyzed within 24 hours.

Although rare, the rapid progression of the illness and the number of cases popping up has drawn attention from concerned parents and medical experts.




This is the largest outbreak in the nation since 2016, when there were 149 cases confirmed in 39 states including Washington D.C.

There have been at least 386 confirmed cases of AFM in the United States since 2014, including 120 cases in 2014.

The bulk of those cases have come between August and October in even-numbered years.

The total number of cases may be much larger than the CDC’s count, according to Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

With more stringent reporting practices, public health officials “can pick up the next polio before it happens,” Greenberg said.

While the effects of AFM are frequently compared to polio, experts emphasize it is not nearly as widespread.

“It’s still very rare, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stanford Dr. Keith Van Haren said. “There are a lot of similar comparisons made to the polio virus.The polio virus was in much larger numbers. This is still very rare, very small number of individuals who are affected.”

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