In the latest WHO African region report, concern is raised over ‘the fifth and sixth outbreaks of genetically-distinct cVDPV2 in the country in 2019’ adding to the ‘continuous risk of further spread of the cVDPV2 within the country and to neighbouring countries, as is the case with the current outbreak in Angola’. In other news from the GPEI, there are reports of one cVDPV2 case from Kwara State in Nigeria and three cVDPV2 cases isolated from healthy community contacts in Somali State, Ethiopia. With respect to wild poliovirus type 1 cases reported during the same period, two have been confirmed in Afghanistan (Tirinkot district, Uruzgan province) and three in Pakistan (Lakki Marwat, Torghar and Bannu districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province).
RENEWED Ebola virus disease activity (EVD) in low transmission areas and the movement of a case from Beni to an area ‘towards the borders with Uganda and South Sudan’ are two of the issues raised in the WHO External Situation Report of July 2nd. The latest details of the outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces are updated in the Ministry of Health newsletter of the same date.
Advice for travellers
Polio 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.