AFM is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak. While anyone at any age can get AFM, it mainly affects children. The Health Department is educating providers on what to look for and what actions to take if a patient comes in with symptoms consistent with AFM.
Symptoms
Most people will have sudden onset of arm or leg weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes. Some people will also have:
- Facial droop/weakness
- Difficulty moving eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
Onset of weakness is rapid, within hours to a few days.
Many patients had a mild respiratory illness or fever in the 1-2 weeks before developing AFM.
If you suspect AFM, please contact your health care provider.
CDC Resources for Parents and the Public
How to Spot Symptoms of Acute Flaccid Myelitis in Your Child
The Health Department asks providers to voluntarily report suspect AFM cases (regardless of laboratory testing or MRI results). Please call 802-863-7240 to report.
CDC resources for the Health Care Providers
FAQ by Clinicians and Health Departments
Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Interim Considerations for Clinical Management
Visit the CDC AFM Investigation page to see a US map with the most recent case counts for each state. This map is updated every Monday.