ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is stepping up its efforts to learn more about a the polio-like illness affecting children across America.
The CDC has set up a task force of experts to study acute flaccid myelitis, better known as AFM.
Right now, experts still don’t know what causes the illness, which can cause weakness in the arms and legs, a drooping face, and slurred speech. It can be caused by viral infections, environmental toxins and genetic disorders, according to Georgia health officials. The vast majority of patients are children.
The CDC says it typically sees a rise in cases of the illness every other year, usually in late summer and fall. So far in 2018, the agency has confirmed 106 cases in 29 states.
Among those cases is a Georgia toddler, who has been left paralyzed by the illness.
The CDC continues to urge parents to teach their children common sickness prevention tips like washing their hands, staying up-to-date on immunizations and using insect repellent.