Abstract illustration representing acute flaccid myelitis research and the search for a cure.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis: What You Need to Know About This Mysterious Illness

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A CDC task force is investigating the rise of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases in children, a condition causing muscle weakness and paralysis. Understand the potential causes, symptoms, and what's being done to combat this concerning trend."

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the United States: an increase in cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious condition primarily affecting children. AFM impacts the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is taking action, launching a task force to investigate the causes, treatments, and potential prevention strategies for this mysterious illness.

Since 2014, the USA has witnessed a troubling rise in confirmed AFM cases, a condition for which there is currently no cure or vaccine. As of this year, 106 confirmed cases have emerged across 29 states, predominantly affecting children under 18. This increase has prompted concern among medical professionals and families alike, highlighting the urgent need for research and understanding.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the CDC established the AFM task force, comprised of experts from diverse scientific, medical, and public health disciplines. Scheduled to deliver its initial report on December 6, the task force aims to consolidate expertise and insights to guide future research and public health interventions. Robert R Redfield, director of the CDC, has emphasized the agency's commitment to addressing this serious medical condition, reaffirming support for affected patients and their families.

Unraveling the Mystery: What Causes Acute Flaccid Myelitis?

Abstract illustration representing acute flaccid myelitis research and the search for a cure.

One of the biggest challenges in tackling AFM is identifying its cause. While the exact triggers remain unknown, research points to a potential culprit: enteroviruses. These common viruses, which typically cause mild illnesses like colds, have been increasingly linked to AFM cases. Specifically, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has emerged as a leading suspect.

Clinicians have noted a correlation between EV-D68 outbreaks and increases in AFM cases. Kevin Messacar, an infectious disease physician, initiated a search for EV-D68 following a 2014 outbreak, discovering its presence in nasal swabs from patients exhibiting cold-like symptoms. Additionally, other enteroviruses, such as EV-A71, have been implicated, suggesting a complex interplay of viral factors.

Enteroviruses: A group of viruses, including EV-D68 and EV-A71, that may trigger AFM.
EV-D68: An enterovirus found in some AFM cases, sparking research into its role.
Seasonal Patterns: Enterovirus outbreaks often peak in late summer and autumn.

Despite the growing evidence linking enteroviruses to AFM, the CDC remains cautious, emphasizing that the cause of AFM remains unknown. Further research is needed to definitively establish the causal relationship and understand why some enterovirus infections lead to AFM while others do not. Factors such as individual susceptibility, viral strain variations, and environmental influences may all play a role.

Hope for the Future: Research, Surveillance, and Prevention

While AFM remains a complex and challenging condition, ongoing research and surveillance efforts offer hope for improved understanding, treatment, and prevention. The CDC's task force plays a crucial role in coordinating research, gathering data, and developing strategies to combat AFM. Active surveillance of enteroviruses, particularly EV-D68, is essential for early detection and timely intervention. As Kevin Messacar aptly stated, "We were able to detect early when the pathogen was circulating."

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)33012-5, Alternate LINK

Title: Us Cdc Task Force To Investigate Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: The Lancet

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Sharmila Devi

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), and what is being done to address it?

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that affects the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a task force to investigate the causes, treatments, and potential prevention strategies for AFM. There is currently no cure or vaccine for AFM, and research is ongoing to better understand this condition.

What are the potential causes of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), and how are enteroviruses like EV-D68 involved?

While the exact cause of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is unknown, research suggests a potential link to enteroviruses, particularly enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). These viruses typically cause mild illnesses, but clinicians have noted a correlation between EV-D68 outbreaks and increases in AFM cases. Other enteroviruses, like EV-A71, may also be involved. However, the CDC emphasizes that more research is needed to confirm the causal relationship and understand why some enterovirus infections lead to AFM while others do not.

What is the role of the CDC's AFM task force in understanding and combating acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?

The CDC's AFM task force is comprised of experts from various scientific, medical, and public health disciplines. Their primary goals are to coordinate research efforts, gather data on acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases, and develop effective strategies for combating the condition. The task force is scheduled to deliver its initial report, which aims to consolidate expertise and insights to guide future research and public health interventions.

Why is surveillance of enteroviruses, especially enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), important in the context of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?

Early detection and timely intervention are crucial in managing potential outbreaks of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Active surveillance of enteroviruses, especially enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), plays a vital role in identifying when these pathogens are circulating. By closely monitoring these viruses, healthcare professionals can better prepare for and respond to potential AFM cases, potentially mitigating the impact of the illness.

If enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is found in some AFM patients, does that mean it's definitively the cause of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?

While enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has been identified in some patients with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), it's crucial to note that the CDC emphasizes that the cause of AFM remains unknown. Further research is needed to definitively establish the causal relationship between enteroviruses and AFM. Factors such as individual susceptibility, viral strain variations, and environmental influences may also play a role in the development of AFM. Understanding these complex factors is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.