For the first time in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is confirming a case of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in the state of Louisiana. The rare condition has been described as a “polio-like illness“ by medical experts, WAFB TV reports.
ACUTE FLACCID MYELITIS (AFM)
Rare condition, mostly in children
Impairs motor functions, extended or even permanent paralysis
Symptoms: weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes in the arms or legs, facial droop or weakness, difficulty moving the eyes, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech
RELATED: Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM): What it is and what to know about it
The latest map, released Monday, November, 26, shows confirmed cases of AFM by state as of November 23, 2018. The CDC releases an updated map showing confirmed cases every Monday on their website.
There have now been 116 confirmed cases of AFM across the United States this year.
