Via CIDRAP, Stephanie Soucheray writes: With 18 more cases, CDC says AFM may have peaked. Excerpt:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 18 more cases of the mysterious acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in the week ending on Nov 30, bringing this year's total to 134 cases confirmed in 33 states, among 299 cases reported, and the agency says the outbreak "appears to have peaked."
AFM, which can cause limb weakness and paralysis, usually affects children who develop symptoms 1 to 2 weeks following a non-specific viral infection. Though AFM has sometimes been associated with enteroviruses, little is known about the cause of the polio-like condition.
Pattern similar to previous years
Since 2014, officials have detected higher levels of AFM every 2 years in the fall throughout the United States. This year, Texas has reported the most cases, with 16, followed by Colorado (15), Ohio (10), and 9 each in Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington.
According to a CDC news release, "Most cases are reported between August and October, and a marked reduction in cases is seen in November. That pattern appears to be repeating in 2018 because states have reported fewer PUIs [persons under investigation] over the past couple of weeks. CDC expects this decline to continue."
This year's case totals are nearing 2016's, which saw 149 confirmed cases of AFM in 39 states. In 2014, the first ear CDC began tracking case counts, officials confirmed 120 cases. 2015 and 2017 saw lower case totals.
According to a practice article today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), most patients have ongoing deficits 4 to 6 months post-diagnosis, with full recovery at that point in only 8% to 18% of cases. The article also notes that 8% to 14% of patients require either assistive devices for ambulation or complete dependence on caregivers.
There is no known treatment for AFM at this time.
