Prognosis
CDC Warns Parents, Pediatricians of Paralyzing Condition in Kids
- Outbreaks strike in even years; 16 children diagnosed in 2020
- ‘AFM is a medical emergency that requires immediate care:’ CDC
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Parents and pediatricians should be on alert for a rare neurological condition afflicting children that can lead to long-term paralysis and, infrequently, death, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Tuesday.
While the ailment, known as acute flaccid myelitis, has been around for years at low levels, serious outbreaks began in 2014, when 120 children were afflicted. Since then, it’s struck in rising numbers every other year in late summer and fall. It has already started to emerge this year, with 16 children diagnosed and one death as of the end of July. Another 38 additional cases are under investigation.