The Douglas County Health Department confirms a second case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis. The individual was under the age of 18, hospitalized and has been released. The first confirmed case was in December.Another suspected case could not be confirmed by the CDC.
“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.”
About 90 percent of AFM patients had a mild respiratory illness or fever before developing the illness.droop may be evident. Problems swallowing or slurred speech also may occur.The average AFM patient in the U.S. is four years old and 90 percent of cases involve people less than 18
AFM remains extremely rare, occurring in about one or two children in a million according to the CDC and there are fewer than 500 confirmed cases in the five years it has been monitored.
Those with symptoms, especially a young person, should be seen by a physician.The Health Department suggests staying current on vaccinations, practice proper hand washing and anyone who is sick should stay home to prevent possible spreading.
The Douglas County Health Department will work with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the medical community to monitor possible future cases.