Who Gets Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) most often affects children, with the median age around four to five years old. While adults can develop AFM, the majority of confirmed cases occur in pediatric populations.
Why Children Are at Higher Risk
Young children are more likely to contract AFM because their immune systems are still developing and they have frequent exposure to common viruses in daycare and school settings. Enteroviruses, especially EV-D68, are strongly linked to AFM clusters in children.
Other Risk Factors and Prevention
Children with asthma or other respiratory conditions may face a higher risk of severe AFM outcomes. Good hand hygiene, staying up to date on routine vaccinations, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help reduce the chance of infection. For more details on symptoms and surveillance, see the CDC overview at https://www.cdc.gov/afm/.
