Paralytic poliomyelitis in children in Ethiopia: a review of 2604 cases
Dekker, P.A.
Ethiopian Medical Journal 24(2): 55-62
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-1755 PMID: 3698975 Document Number: 281864
In the 11 years 1971-1981, 2604 patients (male-to-female ratio 1.19 : 1.00) were registered at the Polio Clinic, Ethio-Swedish Paediatric Clinic, Addis Ababa, showing an increase in new cases but no apparent seasonal variation. Peak frequency of onset of the disease was during the age of 2 years; 98% contracted poliomyelitis before 5 years of age. A significant increase (23% in 1971; 67% in 1979) appeared in the number of patients presenting within a year of onset. Lower limb paralysis affected 98.8%; other forms were rarely encountered. Contractures secondary to paralysis were seen in 28%, many of whom had long-standing disease, and originated from remote areas of Ethiopia. One or more doses of the trivalent oral polio vaccine had been received by 9.8%. Vaccine-associated paralysis occurred in 39 (2.1%), apparently more frequently after the first vaccination; in these cases, the clinical picture ws quite severe: 26% presented with bilateral limb paralysis. The need is stressed for regional centres providing continuous coverage for all at risk, and a critical evaluation of vaccine type, administration technique and immunisation schedule.