Health Department

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administration office at 10777 Main Street in Fairfax is open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Clinic services are not offered at this location.
703-246-2411 TTY 711
10777 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Health

Letter to Clinicians: Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Health Alert

The Virginia Department of Health released a letter to clinicians ahead of the approaching acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) season. The letter provides resources for evaluating and reporting a suspect case.

AFM is a rare but serious illness for which there is no known definitive treatment or means of prevention. It is most commonly seen in young children, the majority of whom experience a respiratory illness or fever prior to the onset of AFM symptoms. Symptoms include sudden arm or leg weakness, loss of muscle tone, and loss of reflexes. Some individuals experience drooping eyelids, facial droop or weakness, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, or pain in the arms or legs. Severe cases can experience serious neurologic complications and respiratory failure.

Read the full letter. 

Fairfax Virtual Assistant