Outbreak of a rare, polio-like syndrome likely prevented, postponed by social distancing

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/puww-ooa030921.php

 

News Release 10-Mar-2021
Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs

 

Social distancing not only helped slow the spread of COVID-19 -- it also may have prevented the transmission of an outbreak of a rare polio-like syndrome, according to Princeton University researchers.

Though uncommon, acute flaccid myelitis (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 two 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.


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