While Pakistan’s YTD total of wild poliovirus 1 cases rose to 41 this week with two more cases reported (one each in Balochistan and Sindh), Afghanistan’s single WPV1 case from Nimroz province took the country’s count to four for the year. In Africa, Cameroon recorded two cVDPV2 cases (Est and Littoral provinces) and Chad registered six (two in Hadjer Lamis province and one each in Batha, Kanem, Lac and Sila provinces). Read more. More information has emerged on the cases in Niger reported last week – the WHO advised that they were located in Niamey and Tillaberi region. More polio news: A dose-sparing inactivated polio vaccine, Picovax, has been pre-qualified by the WHO. 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.