Renewed polio vaccination campaigns targeting 39 million children are to be carried out across the country. Another two wild poliovirus cases have been identified this week in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (national YTD total now 8). While in the province of Sindh (cities of Karachi, Kambar, Jacobabad, Sukkur and Hyderabad), ongoing surveillance for polio virus in environmental samples returned positive results. In Karachi alone, eight of 11 sewage sites showed the presence of the virus. 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 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.