The Iowa Department of Public Health reported on Oct. 18 that a second possible case of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) was identified in Iowa. AFM is a rare neurologic condition that causes weakness in the arms and legs, loss of reflexes and, potentially, paralysis.

This year 72 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., as of Oct. 26. The two Iowa cases are from central and western Iowa.

There is no known cure, and federal investigators have not identified a common cause.

“While we don’t know the specific pathogen (germ) associated with most of the AFM cases, we think a viral infection and the body’s response to the infection likely play an important role,” the CDC reported on its website. “It’s always important to practice disease prevention steps, such as staying up-to-date on vaccines, washing your hands, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites.”

For any suspected cases of AFM in Iowa, the State Hygienic Laboratory would send patient specimens to the CDC for testing.

IDPH said that, “in addition to sudden onset of arm or leg weakness, some people will have neck weakness or stiffness, drooping eyelids or a facial droop or difficulty swallowing or slurred speech. If a patient presents with symptoms consistent with AFM, call the Iowa Department of Public Health CADE at 800-362-2736 and we will work with health care providers to collect specimens and obtain the patient history.”

Additional information about AFM is available on the CDC website.