Acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in southeastern Turkey, 1999-2010

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.