Second case of AFM confirmed in Nebraska

From: DHHS News Release

A second confirmed case of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a condition that causes muscle weakness, was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The child, in the Sarpy/Cass Health Department jurisdiction, was hospitalized and later released.

Nebraska’s first confirmed case of AFM was reported in late November also in the Sarpy/Cass health department jurisdiction.  

Another reported case in Douglas County was not confirmed after a thorough review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The patient met some, but not all of the criteria for being a confirmed AFM case.

Two additional suspected cases are also undergoing further testing at the CDC.

“There is nationwide focus on AFM and state and local health departments are working with federal partners to help find answers,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “Every case reported undergoes a thorough investigation and extensive diagnostic testing which will help pinpoint exactly what’s causing this disease and how it can be prevented.”

DHHS has shared information on recognizing, managing and reporting potential cases of AFM with health care providers and local health departments across Nebraska.