About Acute Flaccid Myelitis

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  • 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.
The nervous system: brain, spinal cord, and nerves
Mother taking child's temperature.
Causes

Learn more about the possible causes of AFM.

Mother helping child wash her hands
Prevention

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

Man holding his wrist
Symptoms

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

Doctor examining little girl's elbow
Diagnosis & Treatment

Learn how clinicians diagnose and treat AFM.

For Parents of Children with AFM
Page last reviewed: June 21, 2022
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases