C.G.H. Medical Center issued the following announcement on Aug. 23.
A rare mystery disease that primarily affects children and that peaks every two years is expected to peak again this August through November.
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a polio-like disease that has peaked in late summer to early fall every other year since 2014. The cause of AFM isn't known, although it's believed to be linked to enteroviruses. Enteroviruses are common in the U.S. during summer and fall.
AFM is a medical emergency. Even in areas with high COVID-19 outbreaks, parents should get immediate help for a child with these signs and symptoms:
- Limb weakness and paralysis. This is the most common symptom of AFM.
- Recent or current respiratory illness.
- Fever.
- Pain or numbness in the limbs.
- Difficulty walking.
- Headache.
- Back or neck pain.
- Difficulty talking or swallowing.
- Neck or facial weakness.
AFM can progress rapidly and lead to permanent paralysis or respiratory failure.
If a doctor suspects AFM, your child should be hospitalized right away. Any delay in hospitalization could make the disease more difficult to manage. In 2018, more than half of patients with AFM were admitted to an intensive care unit. One in four hospitalized patients needed mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.
Since 2014, more than 500 cases of AFM have been confirmed in the U.S. Most of these cases have occurred in children around 5 years old.
Although AFM sounds frightening, keep in mind that it's a very rare disease. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child's chances of developing AFM are less than 1 in a million.
Much about AFM remains unknown, including how to prevent and treat it. According to the AAP, the best ways to protect your children from getting sick include:
- Frequent handwashing.
- Staying current on routine childhood and adult immunizations.
- Keeping household surfaces clean and disinfected.
Source: C.G.H. Medical Center
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