Big Flats, NY (WENY) – A disease that health experts have been closely watching since 2014 is affecting children across the country. The polio-like disease known as Acute Flaccid Myelitis or AFM is targeting children across the country, leaving health experts stumped and parents concerned.

127 cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis are under investigation. The CDC has confirmed 62 cases of the neurological disease in 22 states. 90% of people affected involve children 18-years-old with an average age of just four.

Local pediatricians are trying to figure out how medical professionals are treating the situation. despite its similarities to polio, there's currently no vaccine.

“There's no cause that we have identified. It could be from a virus, toxins or genetics, but their does seem to be a link on more cases occurring in the late summer and fall. The key with this disease is you get sudden loss of weakness, so it may start off with a cold but the moment you notice any sudden loss of weakness, that's when you should be concerned. Said Dr. Amit Sharma, Family Physician with Arnot Health.

For concerned parents, Dr. Sharma recommends having your children vaccinated for a flu and polio shot and to practice good hygiene, like properly washing your hands, and covering your mouth when you cough.