In this month’s Bulletin

In India in 2000, there were 265 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) whose cause was confirmed to be wild poliovirus, and a further 362 cases that were compatible with poliomyelitis but could not be confirmed as such. Confirmation depends on the collection of two stool specimens at least 24 hours apart both within 14 days of the onset of paralysis and both arriving at the laboratory in good condition. Unconfirmed but compatible cases indicate weaknesses in the surveillance system. Long interval between the onset of paralysis and case notification was the main weakness found. Data on compatible cases indicated the need to increase the number of surveillance medical officers, decrease the size of their areas of responsibility, and intensify vigilance in the areas where these cases occurred.