Almost 40 cases of a polio-like disease have been found in several states over the past month, including in New Jersey.

The disease is called "Acute Flaccid Myelitis."

It attacks the nervous system, causing limb weakness, slurred speech, or even paralysis.

According to the CDC, there are a few possible reasons for the uptick, including viruses, environmental toxins, or genetic disorders.

"We don't have any effective treatments and so often we don't know if paralysis will be reversible," says Dr. Amaran Moodley with Blank Children's Hospital.

There is currently no cure for the disease.

Most of the reported cases have been in children.