AFM

August 21, 2020Read more...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) August 2020

It is important to realize that this time, between August and November is the peak time for AFM. Furthermore, EMS Personnel and other First Responders should be aware of the signs and symptoms and other presentations of the syndrome, as well as how to further assess, monitor, stabilize/treat, and transport an individual (typically a child) with possible AFM. The inability to recognize and manage AFM appropriately, including transport to an appropriate hospital, may result in a worsening condition and potentially...

November 25, 2019Read more...

A BOLO & What Can be Done for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) in 2020

IN THE NEWS AFM is a rare syndrome (a group of symptoms in a pattern that suggests a single cause) found mostly in children, but occurring in adults as well.  It affects the gray matter of the spinal cord in nervous system and causes muscles and reflexes to become weak.  Its case definition has evolved to encompass all age groups, and includes certain lab and imaging findings, but the CDC and other stakeholders want those presenting with weakness in one or...

July 31, 2019Read more...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis

IN THE NEWS Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a very rare syndrome affecting the spinal cord and causing muscle weakness/paralysis, continues to be identified in 2019.  According to the CDC, so far this year, there have been 11 confirmed cases in eight states (CA, MD, NE, NC, PA, TX, UT, and WV) with 57 reports of people under investigation (PUIs).  The number of cases in 2018 was greater than in any previous year, since it was first identified in large numbers in...

March 1, 2019Read more...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Update 2-23-19

The CDC released a new update of confirmed cases and PUIs (persons under investigation) for AFM through 2/18/19.  With five (5) new confirmed cases reported for 2018 included, it brings the total number of 2018 confirmed cases to 215, which are part of the 371 reports of PUIs to the CDC.  This number is the largest number the CDC has reported since CDC tracking, compilation and reporting began in August of 2014. Local and State Health Departments, in conjunction with treating...

October 17, 2018Read more...

Outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) 10-17-18 Update

The CDC continues to investigate a surge in cases of a rare syndrome (one in one million), called AFM, which causes inflammation in spinal cord and results in the sudden onset of a weakened limb or limbs that may lead to paralysis.  The majority of cases (90%) are in children.  In this current outbreak, the average age is four (4) years old. Although the condition is not new, there was a significant increase in cases beginning in 2014, which coincided with...

October 17, 2018Read more...

Outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis – 10-17-18

IN THE NEWS The CDC is investigating a large surge in reported cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) for 2018 and reported 62 confirmed cases in 22 states through October 16, 2018.  These 62 confirmed cases are part of a larger group of 127 reported cases that the CDC has received notice on and is investigating, along with state and local health departments and hospitals.   The CDC has decided to include in its releases, the number of reported patient cases under...

October 12, 2018Read more...

Outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

The CDC is investigating a surge in cases of a rare syndrome, called AFM, which causes inflammation in spinal cord and results in the sudden onset of a weakened limb or limbs that may lead to paralysis.  The majority of cases (90%) are in children.  In this current outbreak, the average age is four (4) years old. Although the condition is not new, there was a significant increase in cases beginning in 2014, which coincided with a large outbreak of a...

October 12, 2018Read more...

Outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis

IN THE NEWS The CDC is investigating a surge in cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) for 2018 and reported 38 confirmed cases in 16 states through September.  Since that release, state health departments from Illinois, Washington, Texas, New Jersey, New York have each reported cases.  Previously, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Illinois had reported cases from the beginning of 2018 through the present time.  This appears to be an untick in cases compared to last year (2017) which reported a total...

November 16, 2016Read more...

Outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis

The CDC is investigating a surge in cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). AFM is a syndrome of weakened muscles that may sometimes lead to paralysis, including limb and respiratory muscles. The majority of cases are in children and adolescents. What EMS should know: If a patient, particularly a child/adolescent presents with weak or paralyzed limbs, they should be transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Careful attention should be paid to washing hands, decontaminating objects & surfaces. Wearing appropriate PPE will also...