Four African countries reported circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 (cVDPV2) cases dating from 2022 to the GPEI last week: Chad (two cases in the departments of Chari-Baguirmi and Logone Occidental), Algeria (one patient in El Oued province), Mali (a single case in Taoudenit region) and the DRC, which also recorded cVDPV1 infections - a combined total of 30 type 1 and type 2 cases from eight provinces. Read more
ON FEB 10, the WHO published an Outbreak News post on the cholera outbreak underway in two health zones of North Kivu province (Nyiragongo and Karisimbi). Onward spread of cholera from the internally displaced populations (IDPs) camps into surrounding communities has been confirmed and the WHO suggests that conflict in the affected areas and the current rainy season could trigger the seeding of infections into neighbouring countries. The North Kivu outbreak is one of the cholera events contributing to a deteriorating global situation for the disease as outlined in a Feb 11 WHO update. 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.