Pediatricians in California say they have detected the signs of a disease whose symptoms mimic polio among children.
Five children in California have exhibited polio-like paralysis affecting one or more limbs. While the condition resembles polio, which is marked by limb and respiratory paralysis, the children have been tested and are not infected with polio. The cause of the condition remains unknown. However, physicians suspect that an enterovirus infection may be responsible, though more research is needed to confirm that, CNN notes.
Families who notice limbs weakness in children are urged to see their doctors immediately. Physicians say the polio-like disease is very rare. Children affected by the polio-like disorder have a median age of 12, USA TODAY notes.
Polio was virtually wiped out in the U.S. after the development of an effective vaccine in the 1950s, but lingers in some under-developed countries.