SRNA Stands Ready to Provide AFM Support to Families and Clinicians
The rare neuroimmune disorder community has been bracing for an outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) since 2018 when cases spiked at 238 confirmed cases. In 2020, an outbreak was expected but never occurred. In 2021, there were similar expectations for an outbreak, but again, we did not see any evidence of an increase in AFM diagnoses. It is likely that the anticipated outbreaks did not occur because of the widespread COVID-19 safety protocols that were in place across the country, slowing the circulation of the enteroviruses responsible during the spike years. Even so, in July, SRNA partnered with the CDC for AFM Awareness month to educate and inform clinicians and families about the signs and symptoms of AFM.
Though 2022 has just begun, please rest assured that SRNA, CDC, clinicians, and researchers remain vigilant and are ready to support families and children should an outbreak or spike in AFM cases occur this year. To keep our community informed, we are sharing multiple resources for AFM Preparedness below. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding the sources below.
SRNA AFM Preparedness Resources:
- Physician Consult Portal: Around-the-clock consultation for medical professionals who suspect a case of AFM and would like to schedule a consult with neurologists specializing in AFM.
- AFM Diagnostic Paper 1/21/21: A virtual townhall about AFM diagnostic criteria and management.
- AFM Working Group Meeting 3/18/2021 video: Are enteroviruses coming back in 2021 after COVID-19 is tapering off?
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Working Group (AFM Working Group)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
