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39 kids in NY have had virus linked to polio-like illness

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  New York state health officials say 39 children have been found to have a virus that in rare cases, causes a polio-like condition.

Authorities say they have no confirmed cases of the nervous system condition called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, in New York.  But there is a suspected case in Buffalo involving a 3-year-old boy.

Doctors at Oishei Childen's Hospital said Friday the boy suddenly lost strength in his legs in September and remains hospitalized.

The Centers for Disease Control says there have been 38 confirmed cases of AFM in 16 states so far this year.

The state Health Department says the enterovirus EV-D68 typically causes a runny nose and body aches, and only rarely leads to AFM. Authorities encourage frequent hand-washing to avoid becoming ill.

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