Poliomyelitis in Osun State, Nigeria: Two Confirmed Cases After 6 years Without Polio

Abstract

The Clinico-epidemological characteristics of two confirmed cases of poliomyelitis detected by Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in Osun State of Nigeria after almost 6 years of the last confirmed case in the State was reported to provide information for formulating possible aetiological hypothesis and to adequately respond to preventing future occurrences.
The major findings in the assessments of these cases supported the laboratory diagnosis of Wild Poliovirus (WPV). Though the 2 cases occurred around the same time, there is no epidemiology linkage in terms of districts of occurrence and persons affected.
The widespread transmission of the virus in the Northern part of Nigeria, low routine immunization coverage, poor cold chain system and absence of supplemental immunization activities (SIA) in the State and the affected localities ( a year before the occurrences of the disease) coupled with social and environmental factors that favour transmission were some suggested for the occurrences of the disease.

Keywords: Poliomyelitis; clinico-epidemological; assessments

Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 66-69