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Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

Description

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, which can cause limb weakness and poor muscle response. This type of condition is not new. Anyone can get AFM or neurologic conditions like it. Although there are varying possible causes, there is increasing evidence since 2014 that supports viruses playing a contributing role in causing AFM. Conditions like AFM can be caused by a variety of germs; including:

  • Coxsackievirus A16
  • Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71)
  • Enterovirus A71 (EV-D68

General Information

Resources

Mailing Address

Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology Section
Mail Code: 3082
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Physical Address

Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology Section
Moreton Building Suite M-631
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199
United States