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Rise in reports of polio-like illness being investigated | Rise in reports of polio-like illness being investigated |
(35 minutes later) | |
An increase in reported cases of a rare polio-like illness that mostly affects children is being investigated by Public Health England. | An increase in reported cases of a rare polio-like illness that mostly affects children is being investigated by Public Health England. |
Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) affects the nervous system, causing one or more of the limbs to become weak or floppy. | Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) affects the nervous system, causing one or more of the limbs to become weak or floppy. |
PHE said 28 cases had been reported in England. Typically, a "handful" of cases are reported each year. | PHE said 28 cases had been reported in England. Typically, a "handful" of cases are reported each year. |
The disease remains very rare but anyone who develops weakness in any limb should seek medical help, it says. | |
'Investigating causes' | 'Investigating causes' |
The majority of cases reported in England have been since September. There has also been a rise in reported cases in the US. | |
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisations at PHE, said: "AFP is very rare. However, if you or your child develops weakness in any limb, you should seek medical care immediately so that appropriate testing and care can be given. | |
"We are investigating potential causes and working hard to build better awareness amongst health-care professionals about how to test and manage patients with AFP. | "We are investigating potential causes and working hard to build better awareness amongst health-care professionals about how to test and manage patients with AFP. |
"We are ensuring up-to-date information is available for patients and their families who may be affected." | "We are ensuring up-to-date information is available for patients and their families who may be affected." |
Certain viruses are known to cause AFP, including polioviruses and non-polio enteroviruses. | |
Enteroviruses commonly cause mild infections with a range of symptoms, including colds, coughs and diarrhoea. | |
Such illnesses from viral infections are common, especially in children, and most people recover. | |
A type of enterovirus called EV-D68 and other viruses have been detected in several cases of AFP so far in 2018. | |
But PHE stresses that the risk of developing neurological symptoms due to a viral infection is extremely low. | |
AFP can be difficult to diagnose. | |
Doctors will typically examine a patient's nervous system and look at images of the spinal cord and brain. | |
They can also test the fluid around the brain and spinal cord and may check the nervous system conduction. | |
Doctors should report any suspected cases of AFP to Public Health England and samples should be sent to specialist labs for additional testing. | Doctors should report any suspected cases of AFP to Public Health England and samples should be sent to specialist labs for additional testing. |
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