A Guide for Parents on Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a Paralyzing Disease Resembling Polio

Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said that this "dramatic" and serious disease caused many concerns nationwide. Of the confirmed cases, 90% are children. The average age is 4 years old.

"We know that this can be scary for parents," said Messonnier at a press briefing.

Here's what parents should know:

What is the AFM?

Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare condition that affects the area of ​​the spinal cord called gray matter and can cause paralysis. The CDC stated that the cause of most AFM cases was unknown, but a few cases had been linked to other viruses. There is no specific treatment for this and the long-term implications are unknown.

What symptoms should parents look for?

"I encourage parents to seek immediate medical attention if you or your child develop a sudden weakness or loss of muscle tone in the arms or legs," said Messonnier. Symptoms include drooping face and eyelids, difficulty in moving eyes and swallowing, and slurred speech. In severe cases, children may have difficulty breathing and need a ventilator due to muscle weakness.

Has anyone died of AFM?

Yes, there has been a report on the death of a child of the AFM in 2017.

What are the chances that my child will get AFM?

Although the number of cases has increased since 2014, the AFM still affects a small population – less than one in a million people in the United States per year.

How can people prevent AFM?

The CDC advises people to follow the normal steps of disease prevention, including keeping up to date on vaccines, hand washing and insect repellent.

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