Paralytic poliomyelitis in The Gambia: lameness in urban children

A study on lameness among urban Gambian children was carried out to document the prevalence of sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis. Of a total of 178 lame children 119 (67%) were suffering from the sequelae of polio. Thirty-one per cent were unable to walk without a mechanical aid. Amongst schoolchildren the overall prevalence was 4 X 7 per 1000 with 5 X 6 per 1000 primary schoolchildren and 2 X 7 per 1000 secondary schoolchildren affected. A history of an injection less than a week before the onset of paralysis was given in 52%.