One case of rare, polio-like illness confirmed in Ohio

Health officials have confirmed that Ohio has one case of the rare, polio-like illness known as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), according to our media partners at WBNS-TV.

RELATED: Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Why is mysterious polio-like illness afflicting children so badly 

The Ohio Department of Health said their lone case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Further details, such as the location of the confirmed case, were not released by the department.

AFM is a rare neurological condition that affects the nervous system and spinal cord, causing sudden limb weakness or paralysis.

The CDC announced this week that there have been 62 confirmed cases in 22 states, with Ohio being one of them.

CDC officials say they haven’t found the cause of the illness, though a virus is suspected.

There is no specific treatment for the disorder, whose confirmed cases have seen a significant increase this year.

About 90 percent of the cases are children who have suffered muscle weakness or paralysis, including in the face, neck, back or limbs. The symptoms tend to occur about a week after they had a fever and respiratory illness.

Parents are urged to seek medical care if their child shows symptoms of the disease, and health providers can relay reports to public health authorities.

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