As reported by the GPEI, Sierra Leone detected its first cVDPV2 cases last month – three in total from Western Area, Northern and North Western, while two other African countries added to their cVDPV2 counts: Guinea (seven cases in five different provinces) and Nigeria (a single case in Sokoto state). Elsewhere, Afghanistan logged 26 more cVDPV2 cases from across 10 provinces (nine of the cases in Kandahar). In the previous week (Dec 23), the GPEI registered infections in Afghanistan (two WPV1 cases), Pakistan (one WPV1 and 11 cVDPV2) and, in Africa, 18 more cVDPV2 cases: Burkina Faso (six), Chad (two), South Sudan (10). And in a sign of current virus transmission in a previously unaffected country, two cVDPV2-positive environmental samples have been reported in Liberia’s NW coastal county of Montserrado.
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.