Acute Flaccid Myelitis, also referred to as AFM, is a rare life-threatening condition affecting mostly children. AFM has seen increasing incidence every two years since public health officials began monitoring it in 2014. Initially characterized by muscle weakness, it can progress quickly to complete paralysis, with patients requiring mechanical ventilation, and can result in permanent disability. While much about the condition remains unknown, it is predominately linked to the enterovirus EV-D68.
Science Speaks coverage:
- August 5,2020 - CDC urges physicians, parents to be on lookout for AFM, a polio-like illness seen predominately in children;
- July 9, 2019 – With data on largest AFM outbreak yet, CDC urges readiness to recognize, report cases;
- Nov. 14, 2018 – As cases of polio-like illness triple from previous year, public health officials increase surveillance, follow-up