Another wild poliovirus type 1 case has been recorded in the country’s NW near Afghanistan – the 11th this year for the district of Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Other cases announced in the latest GPEI update, all of which were cVDPV2: in Africa, Niger’s two cases were from Tillaberi, while Nigeria logged a single case from Zamfara. Meanwhile, in last month’s meeting of the polio emergency committee, topics of discussion included the threat of continued international spread of both wild and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. Ten countries/territories had changes to their polio status: Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Israel, Mozambique, Palestine Territories, Tajikistan, Togo and Yemen. 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.