Columbiana County boy one of 4 confirmed cases of polio-like condition
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four polio-like conditions in the state, one in the Valley.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four polio-like conditions in the state, one in the Valley.
To date, Ohio Department of Health officials have confirmed four cases of acute flaccid myelitis in Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Mercer, and Pickaway counties.
ODH says all four cases were boys from ages 1-13. The CDC says all four boys were hospitalized for the condition but no deaths have been reported.
According to the CDC, acute flaccid myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and causes limb weakness. Some cases started with a fever and upper respiratory symptoms and some reported vomiting and diarrhea. Officials say the weakness started around five days after the first symptoms.
Just this year, 22 states including Ohio have CDC-confirmed cases of AFM.
Medical experts say more than 90 percent of the confirmed cases occurred in children 18 years and younger.
