logo

Heartbroken families share impact of devastating illness that affects mostly children

Cheryl Kahla
Oct 31, 2018
07:39 P.M.

Camdyn Carr's ordeal began with a sinus infection. He was paralyzed after 72 hours and could not move the right side of his face or raise his arm.

Advertisement

The 4-year-old was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, a polio-like illness. Read more on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa.

The disease ravaged his body and Camdyn now needs a tube to help him breathe and only has slight movement left in his one arm and leg.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes the mysterious disease and there is no official treatment as yet.

Another family is also battling the devastation AFM after their 6-year-old son Sebastian was diagnosed.

Advertisement

Sebastian faced near complete paralysis, but after more than 2,000 hours of therapy, he can now dress and feed himself and stand upright. However, he still can't walk.

An expert in the field, CDC Director John Dickerson, said that while they still don't know what causes the disease, it does not "appear to be transmissible between humans."

POSSIBLE CAUSES

The Center for Disease Control believes that the polio virus can lead to AFM. Environmental toxins and genetic disorders can also play a part, experts say.

Advertisement

SYMPTOMS

The virus enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory tract and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, and congestion.

In very rare cases, the virus can invade the nervous system and cause inflammation of the spinal cord. Symptoms include droopy eyes and jowls, as well as difficulty breathing.

Several patients have also developed muscular weakness in their arms and legs. Some patients are unable to move their limbs but can still feel sensation.

Advertisement

PREVENTION

According to the CDC, the best way to guard against the disease is to ensure that children are vaccinated and to take caution against mosquito bites.

Regular hand-washing and general hygiene practices can also help to prevent the spread of germs.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Inside Wendy Williams' Health Struggles: From a Public Faint to Fighting Chronic Illness for 2 Decades

February 23, 2024

World’s Hairiest Girl Who Was Teased in School for Her Appearance Got Married & Rocks New Look after Shaving

December 06, 2023

'I Don't Want to Die': Shannen Doherty, 52, Shares Cancer's Significant Decline & Emphasizes No Cure Yet

November 30, 2023

Michael J Fox’s Son, Who Was Just a Toddler When Actor Was Diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Helped Dad Deal with a Troll

November 11, 2023

Man Born with Life Expectancy of 2 Years Is Now Father to Cute Twins Who ‘Look like Daddy’

December 01, 2023

Shannen Doherty's Husband Cheated On Her before Her Brain Surgery

December 07, 2023

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 20, 2024

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 19, 2024

Mom of Extremely Rare Twins with Down Syndrome Shows How Beautiful They Are at 2 in Spite of Critics

November 21, 2023

Mother Receives Thousands of Dollars for Years for Daughter's Cancer Treatment until Her Deceptive Scheme Is Exposed

January 18, 2024

Kimmi Grant Also Responded to Husband Maurice's Intimacy Comments amid Her Cancer Battle

November 16, 2023

Bruce Willis Spotted Riding a Car in Rare Public Sighting amid His Battle with Dementia

November 20, 2023

Fans Claim Celine Dion Gained Weight as She Makes 1st Public Appearance amid Health Battle with Rare Disorder

November 02, 2023

Mom Wakes up from Coma to Have Her Heart Broken after Seeing How Much Her 3 Little Kids Have Grown

December 24, 2023