The GPEI reports no new wild poliovirus cases in Pakistan this week, however there were two new circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases (in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas). Afghanistan registered one WPV1 case in Laghman province, taking its YTD total to five. In Africa, only one nation recorded any cVDPV2 cases – one single case in Côte d’Ivoire (Gbokle-Nawa-San-Pedro district).
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.