First confirmed case of AFM reported to DHHS

The first confirmed case of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. 

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

DHHS says another reported case in Douglas County was not confirmed after being reviewed by the CDC. 

The patient in that case met some, but not all, of the criteria needed for the case to be confirmed as AFM. 

Another suspected case in the Sarpy/Cass Health Department jurisdiction is undergoing testing by the CDC, health officials say. 

“AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects mostly children and we’ve been watching closely for cases in Nebraska over the last four years,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, state epidemiologist for DHHS. “There is still a lot to learn about AFM and more study is needed. State and local health departments nationwide are working with federal partners to investigate cases and the possible causes.”

AFM is a condition that generally causes sudden muscle weakness.

Symptoms include sudden weakness in the arms or legs.

Some people also experience drooping of the eyelids or face, difficulty moving eyes, slurred speech or difficulty swallowing.

From August 2014 through October 2018, over 400 cases of AFM have been confirmed in the U.S.