Less than a month after the first case of circulating vaccine-derived polio (cVDPV2) was detected in the NE province of Lunda Norte, another outbreak has been identified more than 1,000 kms away - one cVDPV2 case and four health community contacts who tested positive for cVDPV2 in the central province of Huambo. As reported by the WHO, ‘the virus isolated in stool specimens from a community contact was genetically linked to the VDPV2 isolated from an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case, indicating circulation’. In the first six months of the year there have been 167 cases of acute flaccid paralysis in Angola, yielding these ‘two genetically-distinct outbreaks of cVDPV2’. Reactive vaccination programs are planned or already underway in the two provinces. More on polio this week summarised by ProMED.
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.