Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases Remain Low Despite Increases in EV-D68 Respiratory Illnesses

Confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious neurologic condition causing paralysis primarily in children, remained low in the United States from 2020 through 2025. This trend persisted despite increases in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)–associated respiratory illnesses in several years. The CDC advises clinicians to remain vigilant for suspected AFM cases and report them to health departments.