This year’s count of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases has risen to six, with the latest infections confirmed in 18mo twins living in North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. In other news, the WHO regional bulletin has detailed Mozambique’s recent WPV1 case in Tete province which borders on Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. From the GPEI update last week, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases were reported by Chad (two cases - Batha department and N'Djamena), the D R of Congo (10 cases, mostly in Maniema province), Niger (a single case in Tillaberi) and lastly, Yemen (12 cases from nine districts). 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.