Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurological illness that causes muscle weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis. Early detection and collection of specimens can help identify cases and causes of AFM. Below is a collection of information and resources on acute flaccid myelitis.  


Acute Flaccid Myelitis Overview

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurological illness that causes muscle weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis. Early detection and collection of specimens can help identify cases and causes of AFM. Below is a collection of information and resources on AFM.

Increases in cases of AFM have occurred between August and November in the United States in 2014, 2016, and 2018. These spikes in cases have been attributed to enterovirus outbreaks, particularly EV-D68. The biennial pattern was interrupted in 2020, likely due to the nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is unclear when or if spikes in AFM cases will occur again.

Early detection and medical support are critical to improve long-term health outcomes of children with AFM. Delays in recognition can put children at risk. Pediatricians and pediatric health care providers who can identify AFM and promptly hospitalize patients are best positioned to provide optimal medical care.

Professional Tools & Resources

CDC Resources on AFM

Additional information from the CDC, including resources and references for clinicians.

Pediatrics OnCall: Acute Flaccid Myelitis

In this episode of the AAP podcast, Kevin Messacar, MD, FAAP talks about ways to recognize and report AFM.

AFM Physician Support Portal

Connecting medical professionals with support on acute flaccid myelitis.

Additional Parent and Family Resources

Check here for a collection of resources on AFM for parents and families.

Additional Resources for Clinicians

Acute flaccid myelitis: cause, diagnosis, and management
Lancet review describing the epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcomes of AFM to help to guide diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation
NeuroBytes: Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Diagnosis, Management & Surveillance - AAN
This video discusses the clinical presentation, imaging features and differential diagnosis of  AFM.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Disability Advocacy with Sarah Todd Hammer
Neurologists Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Kiran Thakur discuss Acute Flaccid Myelitis, exploring how it develops, how it’s treated, and what clinicians are learning about caring for patients with rare neurologic conditions. 
Last Updated

08/07/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics