Polio and acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) are illnesses that cause muscle weakness and paralysis (when you’re not able to move). They both typically affect children. Polio is a viral infection that.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a polio-like illness that affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) in the gray matter of the spinal cord. It is thought to be due to a viral infection. Children with AFM have acute (rapid) onset of flaccid (floppy) paralysis, usually in an arm or leg. They may also have trouble moving their face or trouble swallowing.