MADISON, WI (MetroSource-WSAU) Six cases of a rare paralyzing disease are now confirmed in Wisconsin.
The state Department of Health Services said yesterday that five of the six people affected by acute flaccid myelitis in the state are children. A month ago there were only two cases in Wisconsin.
Across 25 states, there have been 80 confirmed cases of the illness during 2018 so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has started to track new cases week-by-week.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis causes sudden weakness in the arms and legs, similar to polio. Symptoms also include droopy faces or eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. What causes the illness isn’t known. The CDC recommends frequent hand washing and making sure children are up to date on their vaccinations.
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