The U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention is looking into 155 cases of a polio-like virus across the nation, including four cases in Michigan, several outlets reported Monday.
What is it?
Acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, is a rare condition that affects the spine and can cause weakness of the arms and legs, as well as neurological damage. It primarily affects children.
Is it in Michigan?
Potentially. Four possible cases have been reported in Ingham, Ottawa, Macomb and Oakland counties, according to ABC 12 (Flint), but they have not been confirmed by the CDC.
How common is it?
It's quite rare. But the CDC has seen a recent uptick in cases: Between August 2014 and September 2018, the CDC confirmed 386 cases nationwide, most of which occurred in children.
What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC, symptoms of AFM include:
- Weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes in the arms or legs
- Facial droop or weakness
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slurred speech
Seek medical care immediately if you or your child develop these symptoms.
How do I prevent it?
The best prevention measures are the same to prevent any virus, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services previously told the Free Press. People should wash their hands frequently with soap and water and cover their mouths when coughing.
Because polio virus and West Nile virus may sometimes lead to AFM, Michiganders should also make sure they're up-to-date on polio vaccines and use mosquito repellent to ward off virus-carrying bugs.
Marc Daalder contributed to this report.
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