Poliomyelitis outbreak in South Africa, 1982. I. Epidemiology.

An epidemic of type 1 poliomyelitis in Gazankulu, which is a self-governing National State in the north-eastern part of South Africa, is described. 260 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis, included 42 deaths, were recorded between 1st May and 3rd September 1982. 92% of cases, who were all admitted to hospital, were in the age group 0 to 5 years. The vaccination status of cases was found to be low: 69% said they had received no vaccination and a further 15% were unsure. Recommendations on the steps to be taken to prevent a recurrence can be gleaned from the discussion in Part II of this article, Laboratory and vaccine aspects (see pp. 24-29 below).