An affliction that many compare to polio in its effects has apparently arrived in the Peace Garden State.

West Dakota Fox reports a "probable" case of acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, is present in the state. This would be the first report of AFM in North Dakota; the Centers for Disease Control has reported over sixty cases in 22 states.

The North Dakota Department of health says AFM is a serious affliction, but not contagious. It's technically a complication from a number of viruses.

The Department of Health described the affliction in a recent press release: "AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system, causing muscles to weaken. It can follow a viral infection, but environmental and genetic factors may also contribute to its development.

"For reasons not fully understood, AFM affects mainly children. AFM symptoms include sudden muscle weakness in the arms or legs, sometimes following a respiratory illness."

 

 

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