The GPEI report for this week referenced only circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPD2) cases: Pakistan recorded six infections (Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab), and the remainder were in Africa: Central African Republic (Region Sanitaire 5), Somalia (Baidoa province) and, lastly, Chad (nine cases from across N'Djamena, Kanem, Logone Occidental and Oriental provinces). ProMED summarised the current state of affairs, explaining that ‘the WPV1 case count is higher than it was on this approximate date in 2019; the cVDPV case count is twice that for all of 2019 and is over 3 times what it was on this approximate date in 2019.’
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.