2018 Was the Worst Year Ever for Acute Flaccid Myelitis—and Parents May Be Panicking

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) jumped onto the general public’s radar screen in 2018, thanks to the greatest number of cases ever in the U.S. With 10 days left on the calendar for this year, there have been 158 confirmed cases in 36 states. While that’s still a relatively low number, widespread media coverage has made parents acutely aware of the potentially devastating and long-lasting effects, perhaps driving many to visit the local urgent care center when their children exhibit symptoms. As such, they’re looking to you for either a diagnosis or, more likely, reassurance that their child does not have AFM. Symptoms include sudden weakness in the arms or legs; drooping of the eyelids or face; difficulty in moving the eyes; slurred speech; or difficulty swallowing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has constructed an AFM resources page with information suitable for parents, but also with instructions for clinicians who suspect a child could have AFM.