LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The second case of a polio-like illness has been confirmed in Nebraska, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services.
Another case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) was reported to the Sarpy/Cass County Health Department in late November.
Two others are undergoing testing with the Center for Disease Control to see if they have contracted AFM.
“There is nationwide focus on AFM and state and local health departments are working with federal partners to help find answers,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “Every case reported undergoes a thorough investigation and extensive diagnostic testing which will help pinpoint exactly what’s causing this disease and how it can be prevented.”
Symptoms of AFM include sudden weakness in the arms or legs, drooping of the eyelids, difficulty moving eyes, slurred speech or difficulty swallowing. Experts have yet to find the exact cause of AFM and there is no specific treatment. Data on the illness only goes back to 2014, but 2018 has seen more AFM cases than any year prior.
