Acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, can leave children with poliolike paralysis

Jana Shaw, MD (photo by Jim Howe) Jana Shaw, MD (photo by Jim Howe) A poliolike disease called acute flaccid myelitis has been in the news lately, with more than 200 cases reported so far this year. Pediatric infectious disease expert A poliolike disease called acute flaccid myelitis has been in the news lately, with more than 200 cases reported so far this year. Pediatric infectious disease expert Jana Shaw, MD, Jana Shaw, MD, explains that much about this disease remains a mystery. The prognosis for those with AFM is poor. Most children who contract this disease are left with weakness or paralysis. Since there is no vaccine for AFM, Shaw says, protecting yourself from getting sick is important, by following good hygiene and handwashing practices. explains that much about this disease remains a mystery. The prognosis for those with AFM is poor. Most children who contract this disease are left with weakness or paralysis. Since there is no vaccine for AFM, Shaw says, protecting yourself from getting sick is important, by following good hygiene and handwashing practices.