Acute flaccid myelitis


Infants and young children are the disease's primary target.

Grey matter in the spinal cord is affected by AFM, a rare but significant neurological disorder.

It has the potential to slow reflexes, debilitate muscles, and even induce paralysis.




Even while the root of the problem is yet unknown, new research.


Concluding that enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is the causative agent.


Another form of enterovirus is responsible for polio.


According to the studies, "a nationwide outbreak of children with enterovirus D68 coincided with the surge in AFM cases we witnessed before.


However, EV-D68 was not always detected by the CDC in children with confirmed AFM.





Treatment of AFM might be delayed if it becomes widespread.


The CDC has been conducting monitoring ever since the outbreak in 2014. the ailment has become very rare since then, occurring just once in a million patients.


 some researchers believe that "non-polio enteroviruses" are to blame for the illness, while others point to the West Nile virus and "even genetics and chemicals" as possible causes.


Due to widespread efforts to prevent contracting the new coronavirus, the current pandemic may cause patients to wait longer for treatment.


The current COVID-19 epidemic has medical professionals worried that patients won't seek medical attention, which can worsen their conditions and extend the time it takes for them to recover.





Timely treatment is crucial for individuals who need it.


Although there are currently no curative treatments for AFM, hospitalization for monitoring is essential, especially in the case of a sudden decline in strength or respiratory failure. "up to 30 per cent of patients may require ventilatory support."


Just because there aren't any drugs designed to treat this condition doesn't mean doctors can't assist.


"We attempt to treat with immune-modulating therapy, such IVIG, as we do with many neurological disorders for which we don't have a particular treatment."


Since there is no definitive human data on the efficacy or ineffectiveness of plasma exchange/IVIG or steroids for AFM. "there's no indication that they should be either chosen or avoided in the treatment of AFM."





Protect yourself against enterovirus by avoiding infection.


Common transmission routes of enteroviruses include direct contact with fluids, including mucus, saliva, and faeces, or "by bigger droplets" from an infected person.


It takes roughly 10 days for a person to recover from enterovirus infection, he added.


He stresses the value of regular hand washing, avoiding ill individuals, and covering one's mouth and nose when coughing using one's elbow. As COVID-19 spreads, it's possible that protecting one's face by using a mask will reduce one's chance of contracting acute respiratory syndrome.


Staying up to date on vaccines and taking measures to avoid mosquito bites are two other ways to lessen your exposure to AFM.


If a person does develop AFM, it may have lasting consequences.


Most patients appear to be left with some lingering symptoms, and there are no systematic reviews to shed light on this.


In most cases, it appears that they are still struggling to fully recuperate. Although, with therapy, there is hope for development. "Paralyzed and require a high degree of continuing care to sustain their breathing and watch for neurological degeneration," says those who do not recover fully.


Manifestations of Acute Flaccid Myelitis


 the symptoms of AFM are "very similar" to those of poliovirus, West Nile virus, and adenoviruses, making an accurate diagnosis.


An unexpected sagging of the face


Struggle to maintain eye closure


slurred expressions


a ventilator may be necessary for extreme circumstances since "AFM can also damage the respiratory muscles, leading to trouble breathing."


However, you shouldn't worry.


Parents also need to know that although the number of instances has risen, the condition is still highly uncommon.


"EV-D68 can cause moderate to severe respiratory disease, or minimal to no symptoms at all. Because we don't yet have sufficient information of which children may be at risk for developing AFM, parents need to "be watchful for indications of muscle weakness or trouble breathing that arise during and after recovery from an upper respiratory illness."


This is the bottom line.


There are health alerts stating that an uptick in acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a polio-like illness that attacks the nervous system and mainly affects children, is imminent.


Since the symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19 and other disorders, diagnosis is challenging. However, patients should still be on the lookout to get treatment as soon as possible.




Although AFM remains uncommon, experts advise taking measures to prevent enterovirus infection, lessening the likelihood of contracting the disease.