Another wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case was announced by the GPEI last week, Mozambique’s eighth (Tête province) as well as another circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) case (Zambezia), as surveillance efforts continue. The DR of Congo logged seven cVDPV1 (Haut Lomami province) and three cVDPV2 cases, while Madagascar’s two cVDPV1 cases were in Androy and Sava, and Nigeria registered a single cVDPV2 case in Oyo. In related news, at the 33rd Polio IHR Emergency Committee meeting held last month, concern was expressed over the emergence of more WPV1 cases in Mozambique’s Tête province – all stemmed from a single importation - as well as ‘insufficient’ coverage from ongoing domestic immunisation campaigns and a lack of coordinated response measures among neighbouring countries. Malawi, Mozambique, DR Congo and Israel have been placed into the category of ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread’, with recommendations that include ensuing ‘that all residents and longterm visitors (> four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel’ and the issuance of proof of vaccination (ICVP). More details can be found in the Committee’s Statement. The Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) will continue and Temporary Recommendations will be extended for a further three months. Lastly, routine wastewater surveillance carried out in Botswana has detected a single cVDPV2 sample in Gaborone that has been linked to a DRC case. Investigations are underway to determine if the source was a visitor and not a resident of the capital. Read more
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 poliomyelitis.
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.