Ohio sees 3 more cases of polio-like illness

The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed three additional cases in the state of a rare, limb-weakening illness found mostly in children that has federal officials concerned because of a recent spike in cases across the nation.

The announcement 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. All were hospitalized with polio-like symptoms. There have been no deaths.

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

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

Ohio Department of Health spokesman Russ Kennedy said health officials are emphasizing that AFM is rare, affecting fewer than one in a million people in the United States each year, and that seasonal flu is a much greater risk for most families.

The Health Department recommends protecting children from serious disease with preventive measures, including hand washing, staying current on recommended immunizations and using insect repellent to avoid illnesses caused by mosquitoes and other insects.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday that 62 cases of AFM have been confirmed in 22 states this year, with 58 of them involving children. There was an increase in suspected cases in August and September, and an additional 65 cases are being investigated. A common cause has not been determined.

The CDC reports 386 confirmed cases from August 2014 to September 2018, with jumps occurring in even-numbered years. One child died last year.

A health alert that the Ohio Department of Health sent 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.