Reports of children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious condition continues.Scientists of CDC are working hard to find the causes of these AFM cases.
What are AFM and its symptoms that require immediate medical care
Parents may be hearing about children who suddenly became weak in their arms or legs from a condition called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. This condition is not new, but the increase in cases we saw starting in 2014 is new. There are different possible causes, such as viruses, environmental toxins, and genetic disorders. AFM affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, which can cause the muscles and reflexes in the body not to work normally.
At a Glance
- AFM is a serious condition that causes weakness in the arms or legs.
- From August 2014 through September 2018, CDC has received information on a total of 386 confirmed cases of AFM across the US; most of the cases have occurred in children.
- Even with an increase in cases since 2014, AFM remains a very rare condition. Less than one in a million people in the United States get AFM each year.
- While we don’t know the cause of most of the AFM cases, it’s always important to practice disease prevention steps, such as staying up-to-date on vaccines, washing your hands, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
While we don’t know if effective in preventing AFM, washing your hands often is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people.
Symptoms of AFM
AFM is rare, but it can lead to serious neurologic problems. You should seek medical care right away if you or your child develops any of these symptoms:- weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes in the arms or legs
- facial droop or weakness
- difficulty moving the eyes
- drooping eyelids
- difficulty swallowing
- slurred speech
Infections That Can Cause Conditions like AFM
Certain viruses, such as poliovirus and West Nile virus, may sometimes lead to conditions like AFM. You can protect yourself and your children from these viruses by:- Making sure you are all up to date on polio vaccinations.
- Protecting against bites from mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus, by using mosquito repellent, staying indoors at dusk and dawn (when bites are more common), and removing standing or stagnant water near your home (where mosquitoes can breed).
Source-CDC
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Reports of children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious condition continues.Scientists of CDC are working hard to find the causes of these AFM cases.
What are AFM and its symptoms that require immediate medical care
Parents may be hearing about children who suddenly became weak in their arms or legs from a condition called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. This condition is not new, but the increase in cases we saw starting in 2014 is new. There are different possible causes, such as viruses, environmental toxins, and genetic disorders. AFM affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, which can cause the muscles and reflexes in the body not to work normally.
At a Glance
- AFM is a serious condition that causes weakness in the arms or legs.
- From August 2014 through September 2018, CDC has received information on a total of 386 confirmed cases of AFM across the US; most of the cases have occurred in children.
- Even with an increase in cases since 2014, AFM remains a very rare condition. Less than one in a million people in the United States get AFM each year.
- While we don’t know the cause of most of the AFM cases, it’s always important to practice disease prevention steps, such as staying up-to-date on vaccines, washing your hands, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
While we don’t know if effective in preventing AFM, washing your hands often is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people.
Symptoms of AFM
AFM is rare, but it can lead to serious neurologic problems. You should seek medical care right away if you or your child develops any of these symptoms:- weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes in the arms or legs
- facial droop or weakness
- difficulty moving the eyes
- drooping eyelids
- difficulty swallowing
- slurred speech
Infections That Can Cause Conditions like AFM
Certain viruses, such as poliovirus and West Nile virus, may sometimes lead to conditions like AFM. You can protect yourself and your children from these viruses by:- Making sure you are all up to date on polio vaccinations.
- Protecting against bites from mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus, by using mosquito repellent, staying indoors at dusk and dawn (when bites are more common), and removing standing or stagnant water near your home (where mosquitoes can breed).
