A rare illness with polio-like symptoms is drawing concern as numbers increase across the country. 

Each year, doctors treat patients with enterovirus, which has many forms and often appears like a common cold. Some of those forms have been associated with Acute Flaccid Myelitis or AFM for short.

AFM is a rare condition that affects the nervous system causing weaknesses in limbs. It has similar effects to that of polio.

Most patients are children.

The CDC says 127 cases are being investigated across 22 states. Of those cases, only 62 have been confirmed as AFM.

At Upstate Medical, there have been two patients treated with a strand of enterovirus associated with the polio-like disease. One of those cases is suspected of AFM and is being reviewed by the state.

Again, doctors say AFM is rare, so folks should not be worried.

"I would not be worried because this is a cold virus like many other viruses. So, certainly if your child has a cold, treat it as a cold. There's no reason for parents to rush to ER or to their physicians for a cold. However, if your child has asthma and has a cold, please make sure that your child is up on their asthma action plan and takes preventative asthma medications," said Dr. Jana Shaw, Upstate Golisano Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases.

Doctors say if the cold gets worse or the child experiences weakness in limbs, he or she should see a physician. 

Doctors are not sure what causes AFM, but you can take preventative measures by staying away from people who are sick, washing your hands and using alcohol-based products.

Doctors are still working to determine the long-term effects of the disease. 

Some patients have recovered quickly and others have received on-going care.