Studies on the distribution of polioviruses in Surinam

Summary A study of the distribution of polioviruses in Surinam was undertaken by a regular virological examination of stool specimens from children of the 1–5 year age group for a period ranging from the beginning of 1964 to the middle of 1969. All three types of poliovirus were found to circulate continuously in the child population. A correlation was found between an increased level of poliovirus circulation and the appearance of clinical poliomyelitis. The application of trivalent oral vaccine at times that a clear increase of the level of poliovirus circulation was observed, had only a partial effect on this level since the acceptance rate for the vaccine was too low.Conducted with the support of the Surinam Government and the Netherlands Foundation for the Advancement of Tropical Research (WOTRO), and with technical assistance of Miss L. Kletter and Mrs. A. Arron.on temporary detachment at the Central Public Health Laboratory, Paramaribo, Surinam.