6 Minnesota Kids Have Developed a Rare, Polio-Like Illness—and Health Officials Don’t Know Why

Six Minnesota children have recently been diagnosed with a rare, polio-like nervous system disorder that can cause paralysis — and the cluster is concerning and puzzling state health officials.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has since mid-September received a half-dozen reports of children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a severe condition that typically affects kids and can result in muscle weakness or paralysis, respiratory failure and even death, according to a statement.