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On October 16, the CDC reported 62 cases of confirmed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in 22 states. The illness results in limb weakness or paralysis, most often in children.
The agency is investigating potential causes and has been unable to pinpoint a specific infectious agent or environmental toxin. Some cases have tested positive for enteroviruses; none have tested positive for polio. There has not been significant geographic clustering.
AFM cases have spiked every other year since the first spike in 2014, with the increase most evident in the late summer and early fall.
Overall, the CDC has received reports of 127 possible AFM cases this year, including those already confirmed. The average age of the confirmed cases is 4 years. Roughly 90% o…