A UNICEF/WHO report released this week outlines the current polio situation, with a total of 16 cases detected since the outbreak was declared in September last year: ‘13 cases with cVDPV2, one case with cVDPV1; one case with VDPV1 [not genetically linked to the Basilan and Malaysia cases]; and one case with immunodeficiency-related VDPV type 2 (iVDPV2).’ By region, the cases were from Maguindanao province (8), Sultan Kudarat Province (3), one each in the provinces of Cotabato, Lanao Del Sur province and Laguna, and also one from both Basilan Island and Metropolitan Manila. In other polio news, the GPEI’s weekly update dated Jan 22 reported on WPV1 cases in Afghanistan (Herat province) and Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which also reported three cVDPV2 cases & three from the Tribal Districts), while from the WHO African region bulletin, there were new details of cVDPV2 cases contracted in 2019 in Angola (12 cases from the provinces of Benguela, Moxico, Cuanza Sul, Bie, Luanda, Bengo, Uige and Huambo), Chad (a second case), Ghana (two more cases) and Togo (one case in Plateaux province).
Advice for travellers
Poliomyelitis is a potentially serious viral illness that is spread through contact with infected faeces or saliva. The risk to travellers is generally low, however vaccination is recommended for travel to affected regions and is a requirement for travel to/from some countries. If at risk, adults should have a booster to the childhood series. More on polio.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.