Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Acute flaccid myelitis, also known as AFM, is a rare but serious neurological condition that primarily affects young children.
AFM has been tracked nationwide since 2014 and became reportable in North Carolina in 2020. There has not been a single virus identified that causes AFM. Several different viruses can cause AFM, but one of the most common causes seems to be an enterovirus commonly referred to as EV-D68.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden leg or arm weakness following a respiratory illness
- Reduction in muscle tone
- Loss of arm or leg reflexes
- Facial droop
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slurred speech
Most (90%) cases of AFM occur in young children. It is most common in the fall, when respiratory viruses begin to circulate.
Prevention
- Since the source of AFM is still unknown, standard precautions that lower the risk of getting a virus is the best prevention for AFM. These standard precautions include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.
- You can lower the chance of spreading a virus by:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like toys, mobile devices, and doorknobs.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve, not hands.
- Stay at home if you or your child are sick.
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This page was last modified on 06/18/2026