CDPH Reports National Increase in Suspected Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases

November 2018

physical therapist helping a man to walk

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently issued a health advisory requesting continued vigilance for case recognition and reporting of suspected Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) cases. Nationally, from January 1 through October 16, 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 62 confirmed cases of AFM in patients from 22 U.S. states. 
 
Although there has not been an increase in reported suspect cases in California in 2018, CDPH continues to urge healthcare providers to submit reports of patients with acute flaccid limb weakness of unknown etiology. CDPH is asking clinicians to contact their local health department as soon as possible when AFM is suspected in a patient of any age. 
 

Local Reporting of AFM

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Fax a CMR to 1-888-397-3778 or 1-213-482-5508 or call 1-888-397-3993 
 
Long Beach Health and Human Services
Fax a CMR to 1-562-570-4374 or call 1-562-570-4302
 
Pasadena Public Health Department
Fax a CMR to 1-626-744-6115 or call 1-626-744-6089