Many of us have heard the troubling recent news of a new polio-like disease with no known cure that is attacking mostly children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but very serious condition that affects the nervous system, particularly the area of the spinal cord called grey matter. The disease causes the muscles and reflexes in that area of the body to become weak.
While this condition is not new, the increase in cases we’ve seen lately that began in 2014 is much different from what we’ve experienced in the past. The CDC estimates that less than one in a million people in the United States will get AFM each year. So far, the CDC hasn’t seen any geographic patterns based on reporting from states.
It’s important for parents to look for the symptoms of AFM in their children that include a sudden weakness in arms or legs and loss of muscle tone and reflexes. Others will present facial droop/weakness, difficulty moving their eyes, drooping eyelids or difficulty with swallowing or slurred speech.
Some people will have pain in their arms or legs, though numbness or tingling in those areas is uncommon. Respiratory failure that can happen when the muscles involved with breathing become weak is the most severe symptom of AFM. Although it’s a very rare occurrence, it is possible that the process in the body that triggers AFM may also be the catalyst for other serious neurologic complications that could lead to death. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will collect all available information and forward it to the CDC for extensive study.
A specific treatment for AFM does not exist, though physicians specializing in treating brain and spinal cord illnesses may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis. As an example, a neurologist may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help with arm or leg weakness caused by AFM.
It is believed that AFM, or similar neurologic conditions, may have a variety of potential causes that may include viruses and environmental toxins. Poliovirus, West Nile Virus, Japanese enterovirus and adenoviruses are believed to be potential starting points for AFM.
At least for the time being, prevention is the best weapon there is to fight this disease. You can protect yourself and your children from poliovirus by getting vaccinated. The polio vaccine contains an inactivated virus and protects against poliovirus, although it does not protect against other viruses that may cause AFM. The World Health Organization recommends all children be fully vaccinated against polio.
It’s considered a good idea to protect yourself and others from mosquito bites, which may carry the West Nile virus. Use lots of mosquito repellent and stay inside from dusk through dawn when bites are more common, and remove standing water where mosquitos breed.
The CDC suggests washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people, which could potentially lessen the spread of AFM.
If you have concerns or questions about your health, the health of someone in your family or are in need of a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
Dr. Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Family Medicine Physician at Eskenazi Health