From the WHO’s latest assessment of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces: ‘The increasing number of new EVD cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is deeply concerning. However, geographic spread is still limited to two provinces and there is no spread to neighbouring countries.’ During the week to Apr 28 another 126 new confirmed cases were reported; Butembo and Katwa are the hotspots. Of the 83 deaths reported in the past week, over half were in the community i.e. high risk for onward transmission. Read more
UPDATES on vaccine-derived polio cases from a bulletin produced by the WHO’s African regional office: ‘DRC is affected now by five separate cVDPV2 outbreaks, in the provinces of Haut Katanga; Mongala, Maniema; Haut Lomami/Tanganika/Haut Katanga/Ituri and Kasai.’ And for Nigeria, two recent cases, ‘one from Ilorin West in Kwara State and one from Mashegu in Niger State… The country is now affected by three separate cVDPV2 outbreaks, the first centered in Jigawa State with subsequent spread to other states as well as to neighbouring Republic of Niger, the second in Sokoto State and the third one in Bauchi State.’ More polio news here.
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.