Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition. It affects the nervous system, specifically the area of spinal cord called gray matter, which causes the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak.
Symptoms of AFM include:
- Limb weakness
- Loss of muscle tone and reflexes
Some individuals may also experience:
- Facial droop/weakness
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
If you or your child develops any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care right away.
Number of confirmed AFM cases by year of illness onset, 2014-2018
|
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
South Dakota |
1* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
United States |
228‡ |
33 |
149 |
22 |
120 |
* As of December 20, 2018 |
|||||
Information for the Public
- News Release: South Dakota Patient Under Investigation for Acute Flaccid Myelitus
- How to spot AFM in your Child Infographic
- AFM Fact Sheet
Information for Clinicians
- Job Aid for Clinicians
- AFM Specimen Submission Form
- AFM Frequently Asked Questions for Clinicians
- Interim Considerations for Clinical Management
- Specimen Collection Instructions