This week it was Afghanistan reporting higher case numbers of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), with six detected (in Badakhshan, Balkh, Hirat, Kunar and Kandahar provinces), whereas Pakistan registered two (in Balochistan and Sindh provinces). The first circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) infections for the year in Afghanistan were also reported (Nangarhar province) while Pakistan’s tally rose to 44 with one case each in Khyber Pakhtoon and Punjab. In Africa, both Chad (Tandjile province) and Niger (Tillaberi province) reported one cVDPV2 case each. Read more. There are plans, even with the challenges presented by the pandemic, that the (more genetically stable) novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) will be introduced into affected countries by mid-2020, pending approval through the WHO Emergency Use Listing process. 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.