The Global Countdown to the Polio Eradication Initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2005, has begun. South Africa as part of the Southern Africa region is preparing for polio-free certification by the National Certification Committee. Although South Africa has not seen a case of wild polio virus since 1989, we now need to actively demonstrate that we do not have wild polio virus cases.
One of the strategies of the four-pronged eradication strategy is surveillance – the intelligence network that underpins the entire eradication initiative. Surveillance (active search) identifies every possible cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP). The first link in the surveillance chain is health care workers in all health facilities, from district health centres to large hospitals.
You can assist and become involved in the polio eradication initiative by:
- Promptly reporting every case of AFP even if you are so convinced that the paralysis is not caused by a polio virus.
- Collecting 2 stool specimens 24-48 hours apart from each case, and sending it to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) within 14 days of onset of paralysis.
| PROGRESS WITH AFP SURVEILLANCE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE |
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| Year |
Est # |
Det # |
Det Rate |
2 stools |
2 stools % |
| 1997 |
13 |
10 |
0.8 |
3 |
30% |
| 1998 |
13 |
28 |
2.2 |
4 |
14% |
| 1999 |
13 |
18 |
1.4 |
7 |
39% |
| 2000 |
13 |
18 |
1.4 |
10 |
55% |
| 2001 |
12 |
14 |
1.2 |
9 |
64% |
| 2002 (Jan–June) |
13 |
9 |
1.5 |
3 |
33% |
| Target |
13 |
1.0 |
80% |
||
| Est: Estimated number of cases per 100 000 children under 15 years of age Det: Detected number of cases 2 stools: Number of cases with 2 stools collected within 14 days of onset of paralysis 2 stools%: Percentage of cases with adequate stools within 14 days of onset of paralysis |
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Performance regarding TOOL ADEQUACY (defined as two stool specimens collected within 14 days of onset of paralysis with a minimum of 24 hours between specimens) as well as TIMEOUS REPORTING remains a serious problem in our province.
The provincial detection rate however has been good, due to hard work by all involved, especially the Infection Control Nurses.
The late reporting of cases has again this year (2002) proven to be the main cause of our poor performance thus far regarding stool adequacy. Only three cases of the 9 AFP cases reported for this period (Jan 2002 – 28 June 2002) had the 2 stools collected within the 14 days since onset of paralysis. We hereby appeal to all spheres of health care workers (clinicians, GP’s, nurses etc.) as well as communities to report any sudden weakness / paralysis in a child under 15 years (not caused by injury) IMMEDIATELY to the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor for investigation.
You are also kindly reminded of the important criteria for national certification of polio-free status performance indicators:
Your co-operation in this regard will ensure that the Western Cape will comply with national certification requirements. Assistance from your institution is critical! Please alert all staff to the urgency of this matter. The case definition and the AFP reporting and investigation flow diagram are attached for your information.
ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS (AFP) Lay Case Definition |
Call us immediately to report a suspected CASE OF POLIO (AFP) ….
Ms Charlene Jacobs,
WCP AFP Surveillance Officer
021-483 3156 / 5691 (tel),
021-483 2264 / 4345 (fax)
072 356 5146 (cell)
cajacobs@pawc.wcape.gov.za
&
Your Hospital’s Infection Control Nurse
What’s news? |
As part of its commitment to the global eradication initiative and as a recommendation of the 2000 Provincial EPI Review, the Western Cape scheduled a Provincial Polio Immunisation Campaign for the 0 – 59months age group, irrespective of their immunisation status, for 6-10 May (1st round) and 10-14 June 2002 (2nd round).
See below the results of the 1st round. An official provincial report will be distributed, shortly.
Above: Children at the Polio-free Certification Countdown
and Mass Polio Immunisation Campaign 2002 Launch
(29 April 2002, Joe Slovo Hall, Milnerton)
Above: On the 29 of April 2002 the MEC for Health
started the countdown to a polio-free South Africa
Above: A polio survivor addressed the audience at the Launch
Above: Dr P. Vugarellis (Rotary), Mr. Pieter Meyer
(MEC for Health), Mrs. JMV. Isaacs (Provincial EPI Manager),
Mr. S. Titus (Director: Programme Development), Mr. R. Mazinter (Rotary)
News from elsewhere |
The European Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO) achieves historic milestone as the region is declared polio free. This is a tremendous achievement in the global effort to eradicate polio. Since the Global Polio Initiative was launched in 1988, 2 WHO regions have been certified polio-free: the Americas in 1994 & the Western Pacific in 2000.
About polio |
Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that mainly affects children under five years of age. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestines. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. One in every 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Of those paralysed, 5 – 10% die when their breathing muscles becomes immobilized.
There is no cure for polio; it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given several times, can protect a child for life.
Polio’s Days are numbered! |
Poliomyelitis is still around
Make no mistake, it still can be found.
For survivors lamed,
Crippled may shout,
Vaccinate now! Vaccinate now!
Polio’s days are numbered
The fight is on, the battle sure
Protect your child
For there’s no cure
Polio kill!
Polio cripple!
No future regret,
Protect them now!
Come join the battle,
Just fight the bug.
The time is near, then no more fear,
Just Vaccinate, Vaccinate!
Remember, please report any child who develops sudden weakness and or lameness of the limbs (legs and arms) to a clinic or hospital.
WESTERN CAPE NEWSLETTER ON ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS (AFP) SURVEILLANCE Volume 1, 28 June 2002
