Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is an uncommon but serious polio-like condition affecting mostly children. It affects the nervous system and causes muscle weakness. Increases in AFM cases have typically occurred every two years with peaks in 2014, 2016, and 2018 in the U.S. Allegheny County documented five cases for the first time in 2018, no cases have been reported since. Research is ongoing to gain a better understanding of the condition, what exactly causes it, and how.
Symptoms
Symptoms include sudden arm or leg weakness, pain in the arms or legs, pain in the neck or back, facial droop, difficulty swallowing or slurred speech, and difficulty moving the eyes or drooping eyelids.
Causes
AFM is thought to be caused by viral infections, particularly enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). EV-D68 is the most commonly detected virus in specimens from AFM patients. Enterovirus A-71 (EV-A71) and other viruses have also been detected.
EV-D68 and EV-A71
In addition to monitoring AFM cases, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has also been tracking EV-D68 in wastewater since January 2023, and EV-A71 since July 2023. Wastewater surveillance of both EV-D68 and EV-A71 acts as a potential early warning system for outbreaks of these viruses. To see reported AFM cases, and trends of EV-D68 and EV-A71 in local wastewater, visit the AFM Wastewater Dashboard.
Treatment
While there is no treatment or cure for AFM, clinicians may be able to provide options to help with recovery.
Prevention
Since AFM is thought to be caused by viral infections, common viral infections precautions can be used, such as
- Washing hands
- Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands
- Avoiding those who are sick
- Cleaning common surfaces
- Keeping sick children home
Addressing AFM
Public health officials at the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the ACHD track cases, conduct laboratory studies, and collaborate with neurology and infectious disease experts to gain a better understanding of the condition.
Resources