A rare polio-like illness has sickened people across the US and now in England — here's what to know about it

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October 29, 2018 6:17 PM

This year, cases of the polio-like illness acute flaccid myelitis have risen in both the US and England. A pediatrician told INSIDER how to spot it.

acute flaccid myelitis
kids
28 cases of the condition in England

increase in AFM Most of these cases have been in children

The illness is truly rare — one Minnesota health official told CBS News kids have chance of getting it — but it is crucial that any child displaying the signs get medical attention right away, the CDC says.

INSIDER spoke with pediatrician Dr. Natasha Burgert to learn more about AFM and its telltale symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

90% of AFM patients in the US have had a mild respiratory sickness

leading suspect behind many AFM cases

CDC has detected three viruses no pathogens have been detected in their spinal fluid hiding in tissues that make it difficult to detect

we haven't found the definitive cause yet

Anyone with AFM symptoms should see a doctor ASAP

Most people with AFM will experience sudden arm or leg weakness with a loss of reflexes and muscle tone, according to the CDC. Some people may also have facial drooping and weakness, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and slurred speech.

Theres no specific treatment, but people with AFM can get supportive care in the hospital

There's no specific treatment for AFM, according to the CDC.

It's not exactly clear how to prevent it, either. But there are some steps that could help.

The CDC says that both polio virus and the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus may lead to AFM. The polio vaccine will protect kids against polio, of course, and to avoid mosquito bites, you can use insect repellent, stay inside at dusk and dawn when it's more common to get bitten, and remove any standing water near your home, since mosquitoes can breed in it.

The CDC also recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water. Though it's not known if hand washing can prevent AFM, it' still a proven way to reduce the spread of germs between people.

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