Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis cases in Taizhou, Zhejiang, 2012−2022

  Objective  To understand the epidemiological characteristics of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, from 2012 to 2022, and evaluate the performance and quality of the AFP surveillance system.

  Methods  The surveillance data of AFP in Taizhou from 2012 to 2022 were collected, and the epidemiological characteristics and surveillance indicators of AFP cases in Taizhou were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods.

  Results  A total of 229 AFP cases were reported in Taizhou from 2012 to 2022, with the average annual reported incidence rate of 2.14/100 000. All the AFP cases were finally diagnosed as polio-excluded cases. There was no obvious seasonality in the incidence of AFP. The incidence rate in age group 1−4 years was highest (χ²=29.339, P＜0.001), and the incidence rate was higher in men than in women (χ²=8.571, P=0.003). The investigation rate within 48 hours after the reporting was 99.56%, and the double stool collection rate within 14 days was 98.25%. The adequate stool collection rate, the stool sample delivery rate within 7 days and the timely delivery rate of the 75−day follow-up form were all 97.82%.

  Conclusion  AFP mainly occurred in children under 5 years old in Taizhou. The incidence rate was higher in men than in women, and the reporting rate from other places was high. The AFP surveillance system had a stable and good performance in Taizhou, meeting the national surveillance requirements. However, it is still necessary to improve the sensitivity of AFP surveillance.