Daily Brief: 2016.12.02
THREAT ANALYSIS
New Cases of Acute flaccid myelitis
According to reports, the Washington State Department of Health have confirmed that a ninth child has been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition known as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). The condition can cause varying degrees of paralysis. AFM cases have not been limited to Washington. So far this year, there have been 89 cases of AFM in 33 states, according to the CDC. In 2015, there were just 50 cases.
(Sources: Fox News, Daily Mail, CBS News)
Acute flaccid myelitis is a condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, and can result from a variety of causes including viral infections. AFM is characterized by a sudden weakness in one or more arms or legs, along with loss of muscle tone and decreased or absent reflexes. Numbness or other physical symptoms are rare, although some patients may have pain in their arms or legs. Children affected by AFM typically experience paralysis on most of their body and need a ventilator to breathe.
(Sources: CDC, Daily Mail)
There is no specific treatment for acute flaccid myelitis, but a doctor who specializes in treating brain and spinal cord illnesses (neurologist) may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis.
(Sources: CDC)
ACTION STEPS
- Clean surfaces with a disinfectant, especially those that a sick person has touched.
- Avoiding close contact with sick people
- Remain vigilant about hand washing (Source: CDC)