Poliomyelitis (Acute Flaccid Paralysis)
Description Diagnostic criteria General and supportive measures Referral ICD-10 code: A80.3 *Notifiable condition Also see: Inflammatory Polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré Syndrome). DESCRIPTION Poliomyelitis is eradicated in South Africa. Most cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) are caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, but all cases of AFP must be notified as the clinical signs are indistingu
Description
Diagnostic criteria
General and supportive measures
Referral
ICD-10 code: A80.3
*Notifiable condition
Also see: Inflammatory Polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré Syndrome).
DESCRIPTION
Poliomyelitis is eradicated in South Africa. Most cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) are caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, but all cases of AFP must be notified as the clinical signs are indistinguishable.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
Clinical
- Suspect in all children with acute flaccid paralysis, often asymmetrical with intact sensation.
Investigations
- Send two stool specimens (on ice) taken 24–48 hours apart to the NICD via the local laboratory.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Isolate patient to prevent faecal-oral spread.
- Rehabilitative measures:
- Most patients need physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
REFERRAL
- Discuss all cases with a specialist.
- Children requiring intensive care if none is available on site.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated July 2024
Chapter 8: Infective/Infectious Diseases, 8.18 Poliomyelitis (Acute Flaccid Paralysis)