acute flaccid myelitis

Many parents were set on edge in 2018 as cases of what would become known as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) began coming to light. Symptoms include rapid onset of muscle weakness and paralysis, leading to concerning headlines about a mysterious "polio-like" disease.

Six months after rushing her 4-year-old to Cincinnati Children's with sudden paralysis, Alex Voland says Elijah is making progress but still struggles to move his right leg. He was diagnosed in October with a rare disease called acute flaccid myelitis. Its cause is unknown though researchers may have found a link.

Alex Voland's 4-year-old son, Elijah, started exhibiting cold symptoms on Oct 12. Six days later, weakness set in, making it difficult for Elijah to move. She rushed him to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center where doctors ultimately began treating him for symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis.