08/13/2026
CA HAN Health Update: Stay Alert for Acute Flaccid Myelitis in Late Summer and Early Fall
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory Update about reports of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) typically found among children. Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) presents as sudden limb weakness and can lead to permanent paralysis. The number of reported cases of AFM in 2026 remains low in the nation and California.
The CDPH requests that healthcare providers be vigilant in recognizing acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). AFM surges have been associated with the circulation of respiratory pathogens, such as enterovirus D68 (EV‑D68). Enterovirus D68 (EV‑D68) is a virus previously associated with AFM surges, which can occur due to increased summer travel and gatherings. Additionally, consider poliovirus in patients with sudden limb weakness and obtain whole‑stool samples. Patients who are under‑vaccinated or unvaccinated for poliovirus are at risk for polio.
The CDPH recommends that healthcare providers who suspect AFM or polio consider hospitalizing the patient immediately, report patients of any age suspected to have AFM or polio as soon as possible to local health departments, and collect specimens for laboratory testing to maximize detection of possible etiologic agents.
View the CA’s HAN Health Advisory here:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Stay-Alert-for-Acute-Flaccid-Myelitis-in-Late-Summer-and-Early-Fall.aspx