More cases of poliolike illness confirmed

The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed three additional cases in the state of a rare, limb-weakening condition, bringing the total to four so far this year. The cases began between Aug. 5 and Sept. 16 and affected boys between the ages of 1 and 13 years. All were hospitalized with polio-like symptoms. There have been no deaths.

The announcement on Friday brings to four the total number of cases of acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, confirmed in Ohio this year. One case was reported in Pickaway County, which neighbors Franklin County to the south. The others were in Columbiana County in northeast Ohio, Mercer County in western Ohio and Cuyahoga County, home to Cleveland.

The cases began between Aug. 5 and Sept. 16 and affected boys between the ages of 1 and 13 years.

The state had two confirmed cases each in 2017 and 2016.

AFM is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and causes a sudden onset of weakness in arm or leg muscles. It may also cause difficulty swallowing or speaking.

A health alert that the Ohio Department of Health sent on Friday asks health-care providers to perform imaging tests and collect spinal fluid, stool, blood and sputum as soon as possible if a case is suspected. They also are encouraged to contact the state or a local health department.