Mississippi yet to see mysterious paralyzing condition

Oct. 26--TUPELO -- Mississippi has seen no cases of a rare paralyzing illness that is affecting children in 22 states.

The Centers for Disease Control has reported an increase in the cases of acute flaccid myelitis, a polio-like weakness in one or more limbs. So far in 2018, there have been 62 confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis reported in 22 states through September 30. Most of the cases have been in children.

The CDC, which saw an increase in the reports in August and September, has not been able to identify the cause of muscle weakness and paralysis, which seems to have developed about a week after fever and respiratory illness. To date, no pathogen has been consistently detected in patients' spinal fluid, the CDC said.

Some of the patients have recovered quickly. Others continue to have paralysis and require ongoing care.

Between August 2014 and September 2018, there have been 386 confirmed cases. The CDC has seen a spike in cases every other year.

"Even with the increase in cases since 2014, AFM remains a very rare condition," according to the CDC. "Less than one in a million people in the United States get AFM each year.

Mississippi saw six cases in 2016, said state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. That year, 149 cases in 39 states and Washington, D.C., were confirmed.

In 2014 and 2016, the cases of acute flaccid myelitis coincided with a national outbreak of enterovirus D68. Enteroviruses usually cause mild illness, and in rare cases, can cause meningitis, encephalitis and acute flaccid myelitis.

Although public health researchers are still looking for cause of the increased cases, they are recommending general precautions that help keep children healthy and reduce the spread of germs, like washing hands often with soap and water.

"You should be up to date with your vaccinations and stay home when you're sick," Byers said.

michaela.morris@journalinc.com

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