(WXYZ) — Two more cases of acute flaccid myelitis have been diagnosed in Michigan children, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The confirmed cases were found in children in Macomb and Ottawa counties.
Four cases total have now been confirmed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Michigan’s first case was detected on Dec. 5 in a Wayne County child. The second was discovered in an Oakland County child on Dec. 12.
Officials say five suspect cases of AFM remain under investigation in Michigan.
AFM is a rare but serious condition affecting the nervous system and can cause the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak. Most patients report having a mild respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection before developing AFM.
The cause or trigger for AFM is not yet known. The CDC recommends the following to help protect yourself or your child from developing AFM:
- Getting vaccinated against poliovirus, which is one of the viruses known to cause AFM. However, this vaccine does not protect against other viruses that may cause AFM.
- Protecting yourself from bites from mosquitos, which can carry West Nile Virus, another cause of AFM, by using mosquito repellents, staying indoors at dawn and dusk and removing standing or stagnant water near your home.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
