A mysterious diseases infects more than 100 people in the United States

A mysterious diseases infects more than 100 people in the United States

A mysterious diseases infects more than 100 people in the United States

The US health authorities UU They are examining a strange polio epidemic that causes the weakness of several limbs. The unusual disease - acute flaccid myelitis - or AFM - infected 62 people, mostly children, in 22 states. This year, it is suspected that in another 65 cases, revealed on October 16 its US center for the control and prevention of diseases.

In 2014, almost 400 cases were confirmed in the United States, with the breakdown of 120 cases that called attention to the disease worldwide. So far, the CDC has not been able to know what triggered the outbreaks. "It's a mystery," said Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases in Atlanta, in a newscast. "We have not resolved it yet."

Although the disease is scary, less than one in a million cases are reported in the United States. Every year, a diagnosis of AFM is made, according to information compiled by the CDC since 2014 "Parents need to know that acute flaccid myelitis is very rare in the cases we see now," he said. Even in this case, the CDC suggests that people who discover unexpected weakness in the arms or legs should seek immediate medical attention.

AFM goes to the spine with fever and respiratory disease before unexpectedly losing the ability to move one or more limbs. Paralysis can escalate quickly, so health professionals recommend treatment at the first sign of unusual weakness in a limb.

The CDC examines infections and environmental contaminants as possible causes, but has not yet discovered that only one pathogen or agent is responsible for the peaks observed this year and in 2014 and 2016 (when 149 cases were validated). Infections with viruses like West Nile Virus (WNV), adenoviruses, poliovirus and polio-free enterovirus showed symptoms similar to those of AFM, say the CDC. However, the test actually revealed that cases in the US UU Because 2014 had NOT been caused by a poliovirus.

There is no special antidote or medical treatment for the AFM. The doctors will try to alleviate the symptoms and can recommend a physical or professional treatment in case of muscle weakness or functional degeneration.

The disease tends to appear in late summer and fall. Some patients diagnosed with AFM are recovering; However, many others continued to have weak limbs and required continuous treatment.

If you or your child have any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor.