MLS Laboratory Update
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Surveillance
November 6, 2015
Purpose of this Message: To inform MLS laboratories of an ongoing surveillance initiative for Acute
Flaccid Myelitis (AFM).
Action Items: None
Lab Specific Specimen Information:
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Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Epidemiology must be contacted BEFORE submitting
specimens. Call MDH at 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414.
If requested by a physician AND approved by MDH, obtain one of each of the following specimen
types for submission to MDH-Public Health Laboratory. Transport all specimens at refrigeration
temperature.
o Stool: ParaPak C&S, Modified Cary-Blair, or equivalent.
o Respiratory specimen (NP swab or wash, OR nasal swab OR oropharyngeal swab): in viral
transport medium.
o Serum: 1ml, in clot tube.
o Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF): As much as is available, as multiple tests may be performed. No
special transport media.
o See MDH instructions link below for additional information.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Specimens must be transported at refrigeration temperature. A refrigerated
cold pack is recommended to maintain appropriate temperature during transport.
MDH-PHL will forward the specimens to CDC for testing for respiratory pathogens and other
possible causes. All testing will be completed at CDC for this surveillance activity.
MDH lab instructions: Ongoing Surveillance for Acute Flaccid Paralysis for Health
Professionals
Background:
In Fall 2014, clusters of pediatric cases with acute limb weakness (acute flaccid myelitis [AFM]) were
identified in Colorado and Kansas. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health advisory
was issued requesting that cases consistent with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) in children be reported
and specimens submitted for testing. As of February 2015, a total of 111 cases meeting the case definition
have been reported from 34 states. All but one case was hospitalized. No fatalities attributed to AFM have
been reported.
MDH is working with the CDC to learn more about the incidence and etiology of AFM in all age groups
and would like reports of any patients meeting the criteria above.
Reporting of patients meeting the above criteria is consistent with a case of "Unexplained Critical Illness"
as per the Communicable Disease Reporting Rule, Chapter 4605.
Contact Information: contact MDH Epidemiology with questions about submission criteria at 651-2015414 or 1-877-676-5414.
Thank you,
Anna Strain
Virology/Immunology Supervisor
Public Health Laboratory, Minnesota Department of Health
Phone: 651-201-5035
[email protected]
This is an update from the Minnesota Department of Health – Public Health Laboratory (MDH-PHL) and
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