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HARRISBURG – The Wolf Government warns Pennsylvanians against a rare but serious condition affecting children in the state. Acute flaccid myelitis is a disease that affects the nervous system mainly in children. It causes weakness of the arms and legs and can be fatal.
"Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare and potentially fatal disease that affects residents throughout the state," said Health Secretary Rachel Levine. "At that time, the exact causes or source of this disease is unknown."
Pennsylvania has three confirmed cases and one suspected case in 2018.
2017 – 1 confirmed case
2016 – 7 confirmed cases
2014 – 7 confirmed cases
Symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis include sudden muscle weakness in the arms or legs. Patients may have other symptoms, including:
- Facial sag / weakness,
- Difficulty moving your eyes,
- Drooping eyelids, or
- Difficulty swallowing or difficulty speaking.
Parents who observe these symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis should immediately consult their health care provider.
The Ministry of Health is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm diagnoses of acute flaccid myelitis. The source of the disease is unknown, although possible causes may include viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders, or an unknown combination of factors.
And although the causes of acute flaccid myelitis are not known, it is important to take disease prevention measures, such as keeping up to date on vaccines and washing your hands.
For more information on critical illnesses, visit the Ministry of Health's website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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