News this week that after a four year interval, an environmental sample of vaccine-derived poliovirus infection (type 2) has been detected in Mada, in the Far North region. Further testing has confirmed the virus is ‘linked to the ongoing cVDPV2 strain circulating in neighbouring Nigeria, which originated in Jigawa State’ and also spread across the borde into Niger. No cases of acute flaccid paralysis have been identified with the virus’ detection in Mada. Read more.
A WHO emergency committee has advised that the current situation regarding wild poliovirus (‘progress made in recent years appears to be reversing’) and cVDPV (‘newly emerged strains of cVDPV2 in Nigeria and DR Congo, and the increased number of infected states / provinces in these two countries, together with evidence of missed transmission in Nigeria, Somalia and Indonesia also suggests the risk of international spread of cVDPV, especially type 2, is rising‘) continue to justify the IHR’s Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) provision for a further three months.
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.