Boy's death linked to growing cases of mystery Polio-like condition

A boy's recent death in Washington state has been linked to other cases of mysterious polio-like illness in the U.S.

According to CBS News, Daniel Ramirez's family announced Monday that he had passed on October 30, days after he was placed into a medically induced coma.

Just a couple weeks earlier, the six-year old had suddenly exhibited symptoms of a fever and, soon after, headaches, stumbling, drooling, and speech problems.

Related: Bacteria, diseases, infections

The Washington Post reports that he was taken to a hospital, but doctors were unable to diagnose and properly treat him.

Ramirez has since been suspected of having a neurological condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) though this has not yet been confirmed.

The polio-like disease is believed to interfere with the nervous system, typically causing weakness in the limbs and reduced control over facial movements.

A specific cause is unknown, and existing treatments have been ineffective.

Reported instances of AFM have spiked this year to 89 confirmed cases, according to recent statistics by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.