A cVDPV2 case has been reported in the Northern Province (Chereponi district) – the first for 2019, however the virus was detected in an environmental sample taken some 140kms to the SW in the same province in June. The GPEI advised that ‘Both the isolates are linked to [the] Jigawa cVDPV2 outbreak in Nigeria’. It also announced another cVDPV2 case in Angola (Amboim district, Kwanza Sul State). Pakistan’s latest polio case count shows a further five cases were detected in the past week (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 3, Sindh – 2), representing an almost 400 percent rise on last year and taking the YTD figure to 58 across 20 districts. In other news, the WHO has provided details on the cVDPV1 cases detected in June in Hpapun township of Kayin state, Myanmar and the US CDC has issued a series of travel notices (Alert Level 2, Practice enhanced precautions) in relation to polio.
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.