Precisely what does "AFM" stand for?


The debilitating sickness known as AFM weakens the body by attacking the neurological system, namely the spinal cord. As a rule, it shows up after an infection.

Until an outbreak of 120 cases in 2014, nobody had ever heard of acute flaccid myelitis. However, the sickness shared symptoms with the polio virus, a finding that has worried health experts and parents.





Although polio has been eliminated,


Symptoms can range from mild ones, like being unable to lift an arm or leg, to more severe ones, such as having trouble with the muscles that aid breathing.


Most instances of AFM were characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea.


Limb weakness is an early indicator of nervous system involvement, even though many of these symptoms might resolve independently.


Because of the weakness of the muscles, AFM, in its most severe forms, can induce respiratory failure, requiring a ventilator.





A hint about the virus?


The number of AFM cases has been rising annually.


Within the borders of the USA.


There were 120 confirmed cases in 2014, 153 confirmed cases in 2016, and 236 confirmed cases in 2018. Last summer and early winter had the highest number of reported cases.


About 120 acute flaccid myelitis (AFP) cases were identified during the initial epidemic in the late summer of 2014. Colorado saw many incidences among its youngest residents. The peak occurred in late summer and early fall, but instances occurred at any time between August and December.


The enterovirus is a possible suspect in the development of AFM. Even among the most common enteroviruses, a wide variety of strains exist.


Cough, a sore throat, and a runny nose are typical minor symptoms.


The only known infection associated with the 2014 AFM outbreaks is enterovirus D-68. However, researchers concede that they lack conclusive proof that a specific virus causes AFM.





The infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, Dr William Schaffner, found the discovery to be "interesting" since the virus "resembles more of the polio virus because it does dwell in the digestive system," thus the term enterovirus.


On the other hand, "this is an enterovirus that is extremely frequently spread by the respiratory route.


There were a lot of instances of acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) in 2018 that were linked to another strain of enterovirus called A-71.


The enterovirus family, of which A-71 and D-68 are both members, is also responsible for other viruses, including polio and coxsackie.


While Enterovirus D-68 may be involved, it is not the only cause of this illness.


The specialists are worried that another epidemic may occur every two years.


In what ways does AFM evolve?




Most individuals will feel a loss of muscle tone and reflexes and a sudden weakness in one or both arms or legs.





Some persons reported less frequent symptoms such as arm and leg discomfort, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, and facial drooping or paralysis.


An assessment by a doctor is warranted "certainly" when "the beginning of otherwise unexplained limb weakness should prompt evaluation," as stated by Grosso.


Grosso concurred that "these difficulties may have reasons other than AFM, but may nonetheless reflect other serious neurological disorders" despite the rarity of some of the condition's symptoms.





Controlling and eradicating AFM


Scientists, doctors, and public health officials from various organizations have formed a task force to aid in the ongoing investigations into these incidents.


The current best advice for preventing disease is to practice excellent hygiene and stay away from those who have respiratory infections or are otherwise unwell.


There are currently no curative therapies for AFM, just supportive ones.