CDC: Prevalence of Flaccid Myelitis Increasing in the US

The CDC has reported 62 cases of confirmed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in 22 states.

From August 2014 to September 2018, 386 cases have been confirmed by the CDC across the US, most of which have occurred in children.

Thus far, there has been no significant environmental clustering, and the CDC has been unable to determine any specific infectious agents or toxins that could be causing the condition. Enteroviruses have been identified in some of the patients, and none have tested positive for polio.

The cause of this increase in AFM cases since 2014 is also currently unknown, as is who is most at risk of developing AFM and the long-term effects of AFM.

“CDC is actively investigating AFM cases and monitoring disease activity. We are working closely with healthcare providers and state and local health departments to increase awareness for AFM. We are encouraging healthcare providers to recognize and report suspected cases of AFM to their health departments, and for health departments to send this information to CDC to help us understand the nationwide burden of AFM. CDC is also actively looking for risk factors and possible causes of this condition.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

CDC. AFM investigation. Updated October 16, 2018. Accessed October 17, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/acute-flaccid-myelitis/afm-surveillance.html.