There’s been a spike in a virus that could paralyze you. Here’s what you need to know – NJ.com

The CDC says it still hasn’t been able to track down the cause of the cases throughout the U.S.

The disease can often be tricky to identify, even after extensive testing, the CDC says.

However, several potential causes of the condition include poliovirus, adenoviruses, enterovirus and West Nile virus.

One primary suspect is enterovirus, a typically mild illness that usually mimics the common cold.

“It is probably an enterovirus, but they have not determined which yet,” said Dr. David Cennimo, an assistant professor of medicine-pediatrics infectious disease at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, in a statement. “Most people experience enterovirus as a cold, but in a few unlucky ones they can have severe complications.”

Though enteroviruses are usually mild, in rare cases they can cause neurologic illnesses like AFM, meningitis and encephalitis.