The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2013 , Vol 55 , Num 3
Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance in Southeastern Turkey, 1999-2010
1Bodrum Community Health Center, Muğla, 2Public Health Laboratory, İzmir, and Local Health Authorities of 3Diyarbakır,
4Batman, 5Hakkari, 6Şırnak, 7Mardin, 8Siirt, and 9Urfa, Turkey. E-mail: fundasevencan@yahoo.com
The aim of the study was to report the results of acute flaccid paralysis
(AFP) surveillance and to evaluate the performance of surveillance in the
southeastern region of Turkey in the 12 years from 1999 to 2010. We
investigated cases in seven provinces of the southeastern region of Turkey.
In the evaluation, AFP Case Report Form, Laboratory Investigation Form
and 60-Day Case Investigation Form were used; individuals’ demographic
characteristics, clinical findings, status of vaccination, sample results, and
60-day follow-up were evaluated. Incidence ranged from 0.60/100,000 in
2008 to 1.60/100,000 in 1999. Dysstasia and loss of strength were the most
frequently reported prodromal symptoms. Coxsackievirus and echoviruses were
the most frequent viruses detected. One-quarter of the AFP cases could not
be followed up in the present surveillance system.
Keywords :
acute flaccid paralysis, surveillance, poliomyelitis, southeastern Turkey.