A rare, but serious condition that's been making headlines across the country may have made its way to Western New York.

A local 3-year-old is being tested for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which can cause paralysis.

The Erie County Health Department says the boy is being treated at Oishei Children's Hospital.

His test results are being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine whether he has A-F-M.

Officials say this is the only suspected case in Western New York and they don't expect to see any more.

Instead, parents should focus on preventing more common issues, like the flu, and making sure children are up to date on their 

The CDC says there have been a total of 362 cases nationally between August 2014 and August 2018, with 38 confirmed cases so far this year. The CDC also notes that the condition mostly affects children.

Recent cases have been reported in Illinois, Minnesota and Colorado.

But what is AFM? How is it transmitted? How worried should parents be?

Here are a few key facts to keep in mind.

 

What is AFM?

AFM has been around for a while, but the CDC notes that there have been increases in the number of cases reported starting in 2014. Less than one in a million people will get AFM annually. The condition affects the gray matter area of the spinal cord and causes weakness in the body’s muscles and reflexes.

What are the symptoms of AFM?

The CDC says symptoms of AFM include facial drooping or weakness, difficulty moving the eyes, drooping eyelids or difficulty swallowing or slurred speech. Some people report numbness or tingling in their arms or legs, while others have difficulty passing urine. In the most severe cases, a respirator might be required.

How is AFM contracted?

The most common transmission of AFM is through a virus, exposure to environmental toxins and genetic disorders. Among the viruses that can cause AFM are West Nile virus and poliovirus.

How is AFM treated?

The CDC says that there isn’t a specific treatment for AFM, but neurological specialists might recommend physical or occupational therapy to help with arm or leg weakness. The long-term effects are unknown at this time.