A six-year-old child who was hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms traditionally associated with a polio-like illness died on Monday, according to the Seattle Times.
Health officials said Jonathan Daniel Ramirez Porter fell ill on Oct. 15, exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting and a high fever. Mr. Porter was then flown to Seattle Children's Hospital where his condition reportedly worsened.
Mr. Porter was one of eight children who exhibited similar symptoms and were taken to the hospital. Five of the children have been released. Mr. Porter was one of three children who remained hospitalized with neurological symptoms. The children ranged in age from three to 14 years old, according to the article.
Hospital officials suspect the children contracted acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, a neurological condition that causes a range of issues, including paralysis, weakness in the arms or legs, facial drooping, trouble swallowing or drinking or neck stiffness. Many pathogens are linked to AFM, including common viruses that cause colds and sore throats but also polio virus, non-polio enteroviruses and mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile and Zika.
None of the children were confirmed to have contracted AFM, however.
The CDC is investigating the cases.