Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) Annual Surveillance Report 2021

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Epidemiology
• Communicable Diseases Surveillance
• Public Health

Background:

• The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) has monitored rare pediatric conditions since 1993.
• Surveillance data provides crucial insights into disease incidence, demographics, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the 2021 surveillance data for ten communicable diseases and their complications in children.
• To analyze trends, identify public health concerns, and inform prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of case reports submitted to the APSU for 2021.
• Inclusion of data on case numbers, incidence, demographics, clinical features, management, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Juvenile-onset respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) cases reappeared after a four-year absence, suggesting potential HPV vaccination gaps.
• Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance met targets; no severe influenza complications were reported.
• No congenital rubella or varicella cases; increased perinatal HIV exposure noted, but mother-to-child transmission remains low.
• Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) and neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) incidence remained stable, emphasizing the need for awareness and screening.

Conclusions:

• The resurgence of JoRRP underscores the importance of HPV vaccination programs.
• Continued vigilance is needed for AFP, and screening/vaccination is crucial for at-risk populations for rubella and varicella.
• Enhanced awareness and targeted screening for congenital CMV and neonatal HSV are recommended due to stable incidence rates.