A second cVDPV1 case has been reported, this time in Southern Mindanao province, taking the 2019 total to two. The GPEI weekly summary also updated WPV1 cases in Pakistan – six in total, but four categorised as 2020 cases - (Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces) and positive WPV1 environmental samples in both Afghanistan and Pakistan (plus four cVDPV2 cases and one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample). In Africa, cVDPV2 infections were recorded in Angola (15 from eight provinces in all) and two in the DRC (Sankuru and Kwilu provinces), while the virus was also found in environmental samples in Nigeria, Somalia and Ethiopia; the risk of further cVDPV2 spread across the affected regions remains high. Read more
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.