Poliomyelitis - Need For Surveillance

For the total eradication of a disease it is necessary to have the mechanisms for determining the existence of even one solitary instance or case of the disease. That means in effect a quick system of reporting and collection of any suspected occurrence of the disease so that laboratory analysis may be made as soon as possible. Health care providers are given the criteria for determining the presence of the disease. In the case of polio the appearance of a certain type of paralysis called acute flaccid paralysis along with the Guillain-Barre syndrome for a child under five or any physician diagnosed case of polio at any age should receive immediate attention.

Within 24-48 hours two stool specimens are collected along with clinical information, other laboratory findings, and information on whether the person has recently traveled. A 60 day follow-up after the onset of the illness should be made to see if there are any paralytic after effects.