Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an uncommon but serious condition that causes weakness in the arms and/or legs. Most cases occur in young children following a viral infection. The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains active surveillance for cases of AFM.
- AFM usually follows infection by common viruses with mild symptoms (predominantly enteroviruses, but also flaviviruses, herpesviruses, and adenoviruses).
- Environmental toxins and genetic disorders have also been found to play a role.
- AFM may also result when the body's immune system attacks and destroys body tissue that it mistakes for foreign material.
AFM in Mississippi
Cases
Mississippi confirmed cases of AFM as of July 17, 2025:
2025: 1
- 2024: 0
- 2023: 0
- 2022: 1
- 2021: 0
- 2020: 0
- 2019: 0
- 2018: 1
Surveillance
MSDH actively investigates patients of interest for AFM and monitor disease activity. We are working with health care professionals to increase awareness, provide guidance, arrange lab testing to better understand cases of AFM, risk factors and possible causes.
Parents
More than 90% of AFM cases occur in young children. They typically experience a sudden onset of weakness, loss of muscle tone, and loss of reflexes in the arms and legs. Symptoms can also include:
- Pain in arms, legs, neck or back
- Facial droop or weakness
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- Drooping eyelids, difficulty with swallowing, or slurred speech
Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms in your child. For example, if your child is not using an arm or leg normally.
Preventing AFM
Preventing common viral infections is the best defense against AFM. Take these basic steps to help keep you and your family healthy:
- Wash hands frequently to limit exposure to germs
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Make sure you and your family are up to date on vaccinations, including seasonal flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
- Take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Some mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, are caused by viruses associated with AFM. West Nile virus infection can also cause symptoms similar to AFM.
Health Care Providers
- Be vigilant for and immediately report any patient you suspect as having AFM to MSDH within 24 hours (regular hours, nights, weekends and holidays) to the reporting hotline of 601‑576‑7725 or 1-800-556-0003.
- Refer to the CDC's Clinical Overview of AFM.
- Consider consulting with infectious disease and neurology experts to assist with diagnostic and treatment recommendations.
