Clark County Public Health is investigating a possible case of acute flaccid myelitis in a Clark County child.
The child is younger than 6, and was hospitalized after a sudden onset of paralysis in one arm, according to a Public Health news release. The child displayed symptoms of respiratory illness and fever before developing the AFM symptoms.
“AFM is a rare condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord,” the news release states. “Symptoms typically include sudden weakness in one or more arms or legs, along with loss of muscle tone and decreased or absent reflexes. Symptoms can vary in severity and range from mild weakness of a limb to absence of movement in all limbs.”
The suspected Clark County AFM case is one of 11 recent cases the state Department of Health is investigating, according to the news release — nine cases are confirmed, two are suspected.
Clark County had one confirmed AFM case earlier this year, with a child who was also younger than 6 and was hospitalized for sudden onset of paralysis.
There is no single known cause for AFM, but some viruses and germs have been linked to AFM, “including common germs that can cause colds and sore throats, and respiratory infections,” the news release states.
AFM can also be caused by poliovirus and non-polio enteroviruses, according to Public Health, and also mosquito-borne viruses (such as West Nile virus or Zika virus). There’s no known reason why some people develop AFM while others do not.
There aren’t specific recommendations to protect against AFM, but Public Health does suggest these tips to avoid its possible causes:
- Washing hands often with soap and water
- Avoiding close contact with sick people
- Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant, especially surfaces a sick person has touched
- Staying up to date on recommended immunizations
