University Hospitals confirmed on Friday they recently treated two patients for suspected acute flaccid myelitis or AFM, a rare "polio-like" disease that can cause paralysis.
A UH spokesperson said both patients were able to be discharged. UH is "working with the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the illness."
According to the Ohio Department of Health, there has been one confirmed case of AFM in the state this year. Health officials did not provide any information about that specific patient or what city the case was located in.
Ohio saw two confirmed cases of AFM back in 2016 and two cases in 2017.
Recently six children in Minnesota were diagnosed with the disease. That state typically sees less than one case per year.
AFM can develop from a viral infection, although its exact cause is unknown. Symptoms include limb weakness, facial drooping and trouble swallowing or talking. Doctors stress the importance of recognizing the early signs of AFM and seeking care as soon as possible.
AFM cases first spiked in the United States in August 2014. By the end of that year, 120 people had been diagnosed in 34 states.
More information about AFM can be found here.
