The Aug 20 meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee on polio has extended the PHEIC Temporary Recommendations again, but did acknowledge the marked reduction in wild poliovirus cases and positive environmental samples in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as lower case numbers of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) globally. There were however eight instances of international spread of cVDPV, including to the two countries which had most recently detected the virus: Gambia and Uganda. The meeting also advised ‘an outbreak of cVDPV3 due to local emergence’ in China, dating from late Jan 2021. While in the latest GPEI summary, Nigeria reported 26 new cVDPV2 cases - 13 in Jigawa, three in Borno and Yobe, two in Kano, and a single case each in Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara. Another cVDPV1 positive environmental sample was detected in Madagascar’s NW region of Boeny.
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.