In a further update on the newly declared vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) outbreak, 11 more suspected cases have been reported, all of which are said to be genetically linked to circulating strains in Chad. According to a Sept 1 WHO Disease Outbreak News post, the 13 confirmed and suspected cases originated from six states (Red Sea, West Darfur, East Darfur, White Nile, River Nile and Gezira), plus three positive environmental samples were taken from separate sites in Khartoum in late March. The WHO assessed the risk of further spread across central Africa and the Horn of Africa to be high. In other cVDPV2 news, the GPEI reports two cases in Afghanistan’s Nangahar province; one case each in Benin (Zou province), Chad (Longone Occidental province) and Somalia (Banadir province), and two more cases in the DRC (Equateur province). The July 2020 WHO Country List now contains a section on poliovirus with the temporary recommendations listed for those States with wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.
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.