OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A second case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) in a Douglas County resident has been confirmed. The individual is less than 18 years of age and has been released from the hospital.
The previous case was confirmed in December by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An earlier case could not be confirmed as the patient met some but not all of the criteria for being an AFM case.
"This was the final case from Nebraska that had been under review with the CDC," Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. "It is important to remember AFM remains extremely rare."
Much remains to be learned about AFM. The Health Department suggests staying current on vaccinations, practicing proper hand washing techniques, and recommends anyone who is sick should stay home.
About 90 percent of AFM patients had a mild illness or fever consistent with a virus before developing AFM. Common symptoms are sudden onset of limb weakness and a loss of muscle tone and reflexes. Droopy eyelids, problems moving the eyes, and a facial droop may be evident. Problems swallowing or slurred speech may also occur.
