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Acute Flaccid Myelitis Investigation

Author/s: 
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Date Added: 
October 10, 2018
Publication Date: 
October 5, 2018
URL: 
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Investigation
Type: 
Public Health Announcements
Format: 
Web Page
Keywords 
AFM
Acute Flaccid Myelitis
myelitis
CDC
MeSH 
myelitis
disease outbreaks
centers for disease control and prevention (U.S.)

RPR Commentary

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that peaks during the winter months.  Here is a summary of what we know about it.

Abstract

  • CDC is concerned about AFM, a serious condition that causes weakness in the arms or legs.
  • From August 2014 through August 2018, CDC has received information on a total of 362 cases of AFM across the US; most of the cases continue to occur 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.
  • 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.

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