Dramatically increasing the case of the illness AFM figures in the United States
The acute flaccid Myelitis (Acute flaccid myelitis; AFM) has only been around for two decades and can have life-threatening consequences. Even if in Germany so far only a few children are ill, parents should know the distinctive symptoms of the AFM and in the case of suspected seek immediate medical assistance.
Currently, the us health authority Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased case of the AFM figures. Every two years, are diagnosed in the United States increased children at the enigmatic disease, with rapidly increasing numbers of cases since the year 2014. In this country children are already at AFM ill, but so far, to a far lesser extent. Nevertheless, parents should be aware of the symptoms. How can they look, explains neurologist Dr. Kenneth Mack of the renowned Mayo Clinic (USA).
Polio-like illness
“The acute flaccid Myelitis, or AFM, is a rare, polio-like disease that causes sudden weakness in the arms or legs of a Person and lead to shortness of breath can,” says the expert. Most commonly children are affected.
Sharply rising numbers of illness
In the last few years was recorded in the United States, a dramatic increase of cases, with Rates in 2014, 2016 and 2018 were significantly higher than in the past, says Dr. Mack. The disease could lead to permanent disability or even death.
Occur mainly from August to November
In the year 2020, the Trend of the increase in the AFM-diseases seem to continue, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parents and staff ask to pay increasing attention to symptoms of the AFM. Most of the cases are to be expected in the months of August to November.
These symptoms you should be aware of
Among the striking symptoms of the AFM to the CDC, according to
- Weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes in the arms or legs,
- Sagging of the face,
- Difficulty to move the eyes,
- drooping eyelids,
- Swallowing,
- incomprehensible language.
Limited Treatment Options
Although the acute flaccid Myelitis, in General, is not painful, but can threaten long-term damage and in the worst case, the disease even fatal, so Mack. The long-term prognosis for children with AFM still unclear. For some children, a significant relief of symptoms will show themselves over time, while others experience only low or even no improvement occur. The treatment concentrates mainly on improving the symptoms – not on the cure of the disease, explains the expert.
Cause, as yet, unclear
The treatment and prevention is the case of AFM also extremely difficult, because the specific cause of acute flaccid Myelitis, is still unknown. “We believe that enteroviruses may play a role,” says Dr. Mack. But why should this lead to such a serious illness, remains open. Probably the immune system fight in the course of the infection, and defense are also some of the cells in the spinal cord, which control the motor movements of these limbs, so Mack. Clearly this is not proven yet, however. (fp)