Social distancing not only helped slow the spread of COVID-19 — it also may have prevented the transmission of an outbreak of the rare polio-like syndrome acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), according to Princeton University researchers.
Though uncommon, AFM is a critical spinal condition that causes weakness in the limbs, seriously diminishes motor function, and can lead to lifelong disabilities. The syndrome was first reported in the United States in 2012 and has been coming back every 2 years, hinting it could strike again in 2020.
Using epidemiological surveillance tools, the researchers showed that an AFM outbreak was likely to occur in 2020, but social distancing prevented its spread.
Vaccines targeting enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) could lessen future outbreaks of AFM, they suggest, in a media release from Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Reduced Occurrence of EV-D68
Social distancing, the researchers suggest, reduced the occurrence of EV-D68, a respiratory illness which they note is strongly associated with AFM. EV-D68 is a virus found in infants and children that typically causes respiratory issues such as a runny nose, cough, or sneezing. While the definite cause of AFM remains inconclusive, it has been linked to viral infections and past studies have specifically identified a link to EV-D68.
The Princeton-led research team sought to better understand the connection between AFM and EV-D68 and whether another outbreak might occur. Their study is published in Science Translational Medicine.
“Though currently uncommon, this syndrome has been increasing in frequency with each successive outbreak since 2014, making it critically important to better understand the patterns and drivers behind it.”
— first author Sang Woo Park, a PhD student in Princeton’s Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
“Our results underline the importance of epidemic surveillance for projecting future impact of infectious diseases.”
— Bryan Grenfell, the Kathryn Briger and Sarah Fenton Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs and an associated faculty member in Princeton’s High Meadows Environmental Institute
Every 2 Years
EV-D68 outbreaks have been reported every 2 years, coinciding with the outbreak pattern of AFM, the researchers said. To confirm this connection, the researchers analyzed patterns of EV-D68 outbreaks using unique surveillance data acquired from BioFire Syndromic Trends (Trend), a cloud-based network of de-identified pathogen results from around the world collected in near-real time.
The results revealed that EV-D68 outbreaks were occurring every 2 years in many states, though not all. In states such as Ohio, EV-D68 outbreaks revealed more intricate patterns. Still, the association between EV-D68 and AFM syndrome was strong.
Likely thanks to social distancing, AFM cases remained low in 2020. There were only 31 cases in 2020 compared to 153 cases in 2016 and 238 cases in 2018.
“Fortunately, we saw very little EV-D68 circulation in 2020 and few cases of AFM compared to what was expected, but that makes it even more important to be as prepared as possible for what could be coming in 2021 or beyond.”
— Sang Woo Park
[Source(s): Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs; EurekAlert]
Related Content:
Researchers ID Protective Antibodies Against Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Doesn’t Stop Teen from Pursuing Her Music Dreams
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cause Remains Elusive
