Following news last week of a polio infection near Safed in the Upper Galilee region, the health ministry has confirmed five asymptomatic cases among the young girl’s close contacts. Monitoring and investigations continue. Last year Israel registered one cVDPV3 infection (also unvaccinated) and environmental detections of cVDPV2 in sewage collected from Jerusalem district. In other news on polio, last week the GPEI announced single cVDPV2 cases in Benin (Bourgou), Cameroon (Extreme Nord), Mali (Menaka), Somalia (Lower Shabelle) and Yemen (Hajjah). The D R of Congo recorded eight cVDPV2 cases (Haut Katanga, Haut Lomami, Ituri, Lualaba, Tanganyika and Tshopo), but also 13 cVDPV1 infections (Haut Katanga, Haut Lomami and Tanganyika). Congo reported its first cVDPV1 case (Niari), although it dates from 2022. Lastly, cVDPV2 positive environmental samples were charted in Botswana (one each in Gaborone and Francistown). 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.