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. 2021 Apr 2;Spec Issue(2):1103.
doi: 10.29245/2578-3009/2021/S2.1103.

Overview of Polio Outbreak Response in Kenya, 2013 to 2015

Chidiadi Nwogu  1 , Johnny Musyoka  2 , Carolyne Gathenji  1 , Rosemary Nzunza  3 , Iheoma Onuekwusi  4 , Joseph Okeibunor  5 , Pascal Mkanda  5 , Hemant Shukla  1 , Shaikh Humayun Kabir  1 , Sam O Okiror  1
Affiliations

Overview of Polio Outbreak Response in Kenya, 2013 to 2015

Chidiadi Nwogu et al. J Immunol Sci. .

Abstract

Background: Globally, tremendous improvement has been made in Polio eradication since its inception in 1988. For the third time in a decade, Kenya has experienced a Polio outbreak along the border with Somalia. The affected areas were in Garissa County, replete with previous occurrences in 2006 and 2012. This article, give an account of series of events and activities that were used to stop the transmission within 13 weeks, an interval between the first and the last case of the 2013 outbreak.

Methods: In an attempt to stop further transmission and time bound closure of the outbreak, many activities were brought to fore: the known traditional methods, innovative approaches, improved finances and surge capacity. These assisted in case detection, implementation, and coordination of activities. The external outbreak assessments and the six-monthly technical advisory group recommendations were also employed.

Result: There were increased case detections of >=2/100,000, stool adequacy >=80%, due to enhanced surveillance, timely feedbacks from laboratory investigation and diagnosis. Sustained coverage in supplemental immunisation of > 90%, ensured that immune profile of >=3 polio vaccine doses was quickly attained to protect the targeted population, prevent further polio infection and eventual reduction of cases coming up with paralysis.

Conclusion: Overall, the outbreak was stopped within the 120 days of the first case using 14 rounds of supplemental immunisation activities.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Epi Curve showing AFP by week of onset, Wild polio-virus outbreaks, and supplemental immunization activities (SIAs), Kenya 2013 -2015 (wk24).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Map of Silent Districts in Kenya 2013 – 2016 showing reduction in number of silent districts in view of improved surveillance activities during the period (Source, WHO, Kenya Database, 2016)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Showing number of Supplemental immunization activity (SIA) rounds and IM Outcome, Kenya May 2013 to December 2014. (Source, Final HOA Outbreak Assessment for Kenya, June 2015)24
Figure 4
Figure 4. Shows Immune Profile of NPAFPs (6 -59months), Kenya 2012- 2015 (June)26
(Source: 2015 final Outbreak response Assessment, Kenya)24
Figure 5
Figure 5. Reduction in % Missed children in 8 of 9 Counties in Kenya SIA rounds 2014
(Source, Independent Monitoring, and Kenya 2014)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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