Mysterious outbreak in Minnesota previously sickened Oregon kids

PORTLAND, Ore. — A mysterious outbreak is impacting Minnesota children and leaving doctors scrambling for answers. The same illness hit children in Oregon a few years ago.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis, known more commonly as AFM, affects children's nervous systems causing weakness, slurred speech and paralysis.

Symptoms begin like the flu.

In Oregon, Shakira Close's son, Hudson, was diagnosed with AFM in 2016.

"He couldn't hold his own drink. We were just thinking, man, this is a really bad flu," Close told KATU News.

Days later she said her son was having a difficult time breathing. Later, doctors diagnosed him with AFM.

Two years later, Close said her son's health has improved.

"He is amazing. They said he probably wouldn't walk again or talk again," she said. "He's (now) talking, he's sassy."

She said her son is still experiencing issues such as scoliosis and some weakness.

The same year, a Salem girl, Breea Shelton, was diagnosed with AFM. Her mother told KATU News Breea has made an 80 percent recovery.

Minnesota doctors do not know what is causing the sudden outbreak, but are asking parents to encourage their children to do more hand washing.