New polio-like disease strikes U.S.
By Brad Hunter, 24 Hours
First posted: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 11:34 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 11:46 AM EDT
A terrifying polio-like disease triggering permanent paralysis has stricken almost 100 Americans in the past year, the Centre for Disease Control says.
Most of the victims diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) are under 21 - the average age is 7.
The disease strikes the central nervous system, mainly the spinal cord, CDC reports. The cause is unknown but it is likely linked to viral infections such as polio and mosquito-borne illnesses.
Symptoms include pain in the legs and arms, an inability to pee, slurring and respiratory failure.
Among those diagnosed with the disease is little Laura Carson who developed the disease in 2014 when she was 4.
“Every new case you see, the pit of your stomach drops out again,” her mom Sara Carson told the Today Show in March.
“You flashback to that moment in time when you’re sitting in the hospital room thinking you don’t know where the next day is going to take, or the next hour or the next minute.”
Laura was playing at home when she developed a headache and later shallow breathing. The doctor told the worried mom everything was fine.
But Laura continued going downhill: She was tired, lethargic and had developed a tremor - and double vision. At the hospital in suburban Chicago, doctors said she was fine.
For the next 25 days, the brave little girl was bedridden and unable to walk.
“Nobody had clue what was going on … it’s fear because you don’t know,” Sara Carson told the morning gabfest.
Everything changed for the family as Laura received intensive care and therapy. For two years, the Carsons went through hell. But they are one of the lucky ones.
Laura can walk again and appears on her way to a full recovery.
“We’re very blessed,” Sara said.
The CDC says to wash your hands with warm water and soap and protect yourself against mosquitos.
Laura Carson developed the acute flaccid myelitis when she was 4. (Photo courtesy of Sara Carson)
New polio-like disease strikes U.S. | Health & Fitness | Life | Toronto Sun
By Brad Hunter, 24 Hours
First posted: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 11:34 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 11:46 AM EDT
A terrifying polio-like disease triggering permanent paralysis has stricken almost 100 Americans in the past year, the Centre for Disease Control says.
Most of the victims diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) are under 21 - the average age is 7.
The disease strikes the central nervous system, mainly the spinal cord, CDC reports. The cause is unknown but it is likely linked to viral infections such as polio and mosquito-borne illnesses.
Symptoms include pain in the legs and arms, an inability to pee, slurring and respiratory failure.
Among those diagnosed with the disease is little Laura Carson who developed the disease in 2014 when she was 4.
“Every new case you see, the pit of your stomach drops out again,” her mom Sara Carson told the Today Show in March.
“You flashback to that moment in time when you’re sitting in the hospital room thinking you don’t know where the next day is going to take, or the next hour or the next minute.”
Laura was playing at home when she developed a headache and later shallow breathing. The doctor told the worried mom everything was fine.
But Laura continued going downhill: She was tired, lethargic and had developed a tremor - and double vision. At the hospital in suburban Chicago, doctors said she was fine.
For the next 25 days, the brave little girl was bedridden and unable to walk.
“Nobody had clue what was going on … it’s fear because you don’t know,” Sara Carson told the morning gabfest.
Everything changed for the family as Laura received intensive care and therapy. For two years, the Carsons went through hell. But they are one of the lucky ones.
Laura can walk again and appears on her way to a full recovery.
“We’re very blessed,” Sara said.
The CDC says to wash your hands with warm water and soap and protect yourself against mosquitos.
Laura Carson developed the acute flaccid myelitis when she was 4. (Photo courtesy of Sara Carson)
New polio-like disease strikes U.S. | Health & Fitness | Life | Toronto Sun
