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International Notes Poliomyelitis Update -- Jamaica

Since the first suspected case of paralytic poliomyelitis was recognized in Jamaica in late March 1982, a total of 56 suspected cases have been reported (Figure 2). Onset of symptoms in the last suspected case occurred on June 28, 1982. No additional cases have been reported since June 16, 1982, from St. James Parish, where the earliest and largest number of cases (44) occurred.

The second round of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) immunizations for persons 6 weeks through 14 years of age, the group in which 88% of the disease occurred, is presently under way. A third immunization round in schools and clinics is scheduled for September 1982. Reported by Ministry of Health, Jamaica; Div of Viral Diseases, Center for Infectious Diseases, Immunization Div, Quarantine Div, Center for Prevention Svcs, CDC.

Editorial Note

Editorial Note: While active surveillance of poliomyelitis continues in Jamaica, no cases have been reported with onset dates more than 24 days after the initiation of the vaccination campaign in a given parish, and no new suspected cases of paralytic poliomyelitis have been reported during the past 5 weeks. Jamaica's Ministry of Health announced on July 29 that the outbreak of poliomyelitis was over.

The first poliomyelitis vaccine campaign delivered one dose of OPV per person to more than 80% of the population, ages 6 weeks through 14 years, between June 1 and June 21, 1982 (1). The high coverage reached during this brief period appears to have terminated the outbreak of type 1 poliomyelitis in Jamaica.

Travelers to any country in which vaccine-preventable diseases are or recently have been endemic or epidemic should be adequately protected. Recommendations for immunizations have been published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2-5).

References

  1. CDC. Poliomyelitis update--Jamaica. MMWR 1982;31:346-7.

  2. ACIP. Poliomyelitis prevention. MMWR 1982;31:22-6, 31-4.

  3. ACIP. Measles prevention. MMWR 1982;31:217-24, 229-31.

  4. ACIP. Rubella prevention. MMWR 1981;30:37-42, 47.

  5. ACIP. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis: guidelines for vaccine prophylaxis and other preventive measures. MMWR 1981;30:392-6, 401-7.

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