The GPEI published its latest weekly news on new polio cases on Sept 2, all of which involved cVDPV2 infections. Nigeria’s case count was the largest – 23 from the states of Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi and Kano, while the two cases recorded in Ethiopia were both in Oromiya, and a single case each came from Mali (Koulikoro) and Sierra Leone (Northern Province). Outside Africa, there was one case from Khatlon in Tajikistan. In other news, on Aug 27 MMWR published ‘Progress Toward Polio Eradication — Worldwide, January 2019–June 2021’.
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.