Guidance on active case-finding for acute flaccid paralysis, measles, and rubella

Abstract

Active case-finding is a quality control tool for routine epidemiological surveillance that can detect cases of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) which may or may not have been reported to the system for whatever reason. Traditionally, active case-finding has been implemented on an individual basis to document the presence or absence of cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), measles, and rubella during routine surveillance or when there are outbreaks.

In this regard, active case-finding for cases of AFP, measles, and rubella is conducted in health facilities (active institutional case-finding), in communities (active community case-finding), and in laboratories (active laboratory case-finding) in order to identify opportunities to improve the sensitivity of the epidemiological surveillance system for VPD. Cases detected in active case-finding should be reported, investigated, and classified according to the recommended case definitions for surveillance of these diseases.

The purpose of this publication is to provide technical guidance and data collection tools for conducting comprehensive active case-finding for AFP, measles, and rubella at the institutional (health facility) and community levels. The aim of joint implementation of active case-finding for these three diseases is to create synergy between human and financial resources, according to the specific characteristics of each disease.

This publication is intended for health workers at the national and subnational levels who are responsible for organizing and implementing active case-finding in health facilities and in the community, including analysis of results and report writing.