LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan’s first case of a rare condition was reported for 2020, the state Department of Health and Human Services said in a press release on Monday.
A Macomb County boy, whose age was not given, was confirmed to have acute flaccid myelitis.
“AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system and can weaken the muscles and reflexes of the body,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director and deputy director of health. “Most patients report that they have a mild respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection before developing AFM.”
The cause of the condition is not known. Most children with it had a respiratory illness or fever similar to a viral infection before contracting AFM.
MDHHS recommended common virus-fighting techniques, such as washing hands, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
There have been 13 cases in 10 states so far this year. They were mostly children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than one or two in 1 million children receive AFM each year. Michigan had a case last year.
For more information, visit the MDHHS Communicable Disease Resources and Information website or cdc.gov/afm.
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