Another Child In The Carolinas Has Been Diagnosed With Polio-Like Illness
In October, three cases of acute flaccid myelitis were confirmed in North Carolina, and one was confirmed in South Carolina.
Now a second case of the rare illness has been confirmed in South Carolina — Bringing the total number of cases to five across the Carolinas.
Both cases of the illness have been confirmed upstate.
According to The State, the virus, which resembles polio, can cause temporary paralysis.
The virus starts out as a mild illness, that quickly escalates — Causing concerning symptoms. In addition to sudden paralysis, patients can suffer from respiratory distress and slurred speech.
At this time, researchers still don’t know what causes acute flaccid myelitis, but data shows that the number of patients who suffer from the illness increases every two years.
Just as there is no known cause, doctors don’t have a specific treatment for the illness.
And while the illness does resemble polio, researchers believe acute flaccid myelitis may be tied to enterovirus.
While the illness is undoubtedly scary, the good news is most patients fully recover.
Like all viruses, parents should make sure both they, and their children, are using proper hand washing techniques, in addition to washing their hands often.
To date, there have been 90 confirmed cases of the illness in various parts of the country.
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