(CNN) Researchers found evidence of what might cause acute flaccid myelitis, known as AFM, a rare polio-like illness that affects children. According to a study published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, a virus seems to be the culprit. Since the first cases were documented in 2012, scientists have debated how children get AFM, which can cause weakness and paralysis. Until recently, evidence of a virus was only circumstantial and couldn't be found in 98% of AFM patients who had their spinal fluid tested, according to the study. We think finding antibodies against enterovirus in the spinal fluid of AFM patients means the virus really does go to the spinal cord.

Source: CNN October 21, 2019 21:45 UTC