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

Confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in the United States have remained low from 2020 through 2025, even with observed increases in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)–associated respiratory illnesses in several of those years. AFM is a rare but serious neurological condition that primarily affects children, causing paralysis and characterized by acute onset of flaccid weakness in one or more limbs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to urge clinicians to remain vigilant for suspected AFM cases and report them to health departments.