RI One of 31 States With "Polio-Like" Illness in 2018, According to CDC

RI One of 31 States With "Polio-Like" Illness in 2018, According to CDC

Rhode Island is among thirty-one states with a confirmed case of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in 2018, a polio-like illness that is sickening -- and in some cases paralyzing children -- across the country.

According to numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been at least 116 confirmed cases of AFM in the country so far this year.

The latest number of confirmed AFM case is more than double the number reported in October by the CDC, which released its latest findings on Monday. An additional 170 possible cases remain unconfirmed and under investigation, according to the CDC. 

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About AFM

AFM is an extremely rare but serious neurological condition that causes the body’s muscles and reflexes to become weak. Its cause remains unknown, and it generally affects children ― the average age of 4 ― more than adults. There is no vaccine or treatment, though health officials urge people to seek medical care immediately should they develop its symptoms, which typically begin with a mild respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection.

The CDC last week established an AFM task force to help determine a cause and treatment for the condition, which is generally more prominent in the fall during the respiratory and flu season.

RI Department of Health on Record

"A child in Rhode Island was diagnosed with AFM in September," said Joseph Wendelken with the Rhode Island Department of Health. "What is new is that the CDC is now posting state-by-state numbers online for 2018."

"There are things that parents can look for and do. National health officials believe that AFM may be linked to Poliovirus and West Nile virus. You can protect yourself and your children from poliovirus by getting vaccinated. Also, you can protect against bites from mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus, by using mosquito repellent, staying indoors at dusk and dawn (when bites are more common), and removing standing or stagnant water near your home (where mosquitoes can breed)," said Wendelken

"This guidance is really most important during the summer and fall. Finally, parents should contact a health care provider right away if their child develops sudden weakness of the arms or legs. There is no specific treatment for AFM, but a doctor who specializes in treating brain and spinal cord illnesses may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis. For example, neurologists may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help with arm or leg weakness caused by AFM."

Wendelken noted that Rhode Island previously had a case diagnosed in 2016.