An update on the plague outbreaks was provided by the WHO on Oct 1, with two known endemic areas reporting cases - Itasy (Arivonimamo district) and Haute Matsiatra (Ambalavao district). The agency noted that between 200 and 400 cases of plague are reported most years, with the majority of the bubonic form - most of the cases to date this year have been the more virulent pneumonic form. While the country has extensive experience in managing these outbreaks, the WHO advises that current economic conditions and the famine crisis make a comprehensive response strategy doubtful. Read more
MADAGASCAR was one of two countries reporting circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases in the Sept 30 GPEI update (there were no cases to report last week), with a cVDPV1 infection logged in both Boeni and Menabe. Elsewhere, Senegal’s single cVDPV2 case was registered in Kaolack. The global polio situation to Sept 21: Wild poliovirus cases in 2021 (2020) - 2 (116) and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in 2021 (2020) - 305 (381).
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.