CDC Investigating Mysterious Rise of Paralysis-Causing Syndrome in America

A dangerous health condition that can cause temporary or sometimes permanent paralysis appears to be on the rise in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported Monday that there have been 50 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) since the start of this year, compared with just 21 cases in all of 2015.

AFM affects the nervous system, causing damage that can result in temporary or permanent paralysis in severe cases. The syndrome has a variety of causes, including the polio virus. Symptoms include facial droop or weakness, droopy eyelids, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech. The CDC is looking at the enterovirus D68 as a possible cause. READ MORE