Characteristics of 57 acute flaccid paralysis cases with polio-virus isolated from stool specimens, in Yunnan province, from 2003 to 2007

Abstract

Study on the epidemiological characteristics of poliomyelitis virus in Yunnan, from 2003 to 2007. Surveillance data of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases from year 2003 to 2007 was gathered. All the stool specimens were identified to contain polio virus. 1171 AFP cases were reported. Out of the total number of 1138 stool specimens from 2003 to 2007, 57 cases showed polio virus (5.0%), 159 showed NPEV (14.0%), 922 cases showed virus negative. In those virus, polio type II took the lead (31.6%). 57 AFP cases appeared in 37 (28.7%) counties in Yunnan. Most of the cases were under 2 years of age. 29 cases had taken more than 3 OPV (oral poliovaccine) dosages and 41 cases had fever before paralysis occurred. Most of the cases appeared paralysis on single lower limb, but 26 cases leaving deformity. Significant difference was found between the two groups: having received vaccination more than 3 OPV dosages or less than 3 dosages. High quality AFP epidemiological and laboratory surveillance program, together with OPV routine and supplemental immunization strategy to cover the poorly immunized area/population appeared to be most effective.