About Acute Flaccid Myelitis

"Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an uncommon but serious neurologic condition. It affects the nervous system, specifically the area of the spinal cord called gray matter, which causes the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak.

• Increases in AFM cases have occurred in 2014, 2016, and 2018 in the U.S.
• Most AFM cases (more than 90%) have been in young children.

Causes

Learn more about the possible causes of AFM.

Prevention

Learn how to decrease the risk of getting a viral infection.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of AFM is sudden arm or leg weakness.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Learn how clinicians diagnose and treat AFM.

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For Parents of Children with AFM.."

Acute Flaccid Myelitis 

Acute Flaccid Myelitis in U.S. Children

"CDC has received an increased number of reports of children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious condition. CDC is working hard to find the causes of these AFM cases. Learn more about AFM and symptoms that require immediate medical care.

Parents may be hearing about children in the United States who suddenly became weak in their arms or legs from a condition called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. This type of condition is not new. Anyone can get AFM or neurologic conditions like it, and there are different possible causes, such as viruses, toxins, and genetic disorders. AFM affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, which can cause the muscles and reflexes in the body not to work normally..."
Acute Flaccid Myelitis