Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Acute Flaccid Myelitis is a rare but serious condition that affects mostly children and generally causes sudden muscle weakness.

AFM is not a new condition but the increase in cases nationwide starting in 2014 is new.

The Department of Health and Human Services has been watching closely for cases in Nebraska over the last four years and has shared information on recognizing, managing and reporting potential cases of AFM with health care providers and local health departments across the state.

State and local health departments are working with federal partners to thoroughly investigate cases and the possible causes.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for AFM or proven prevention strategy, but washing hands, covering your cough, staying home if you're sick, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help avoid illness.

Nebraska case information:

Number of confirmed cases: 6       
Suspect cases undergoing further testing at CDC: 0

AFM resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Acute Flaccid Myelitis
• Learn More About AFM
• AFM Investigation
• AFM Confirmed U.S. Cases
• Information for Clinicians and Health Departments
  

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – AFM Health Advisories and Updates to Health Care Professionals

• 110918 – AFM Update – What Providers Need to Know
• 090518 – AFM Update
• 111816 – Increase in Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases
• 072916 – Addition of Acute Flaccid Myelitis to Nebraska Reportable Disease List
• 092614 – Acute Neurologic Illness with Focal Limb Weakness of Unknown Etiology in Children