A Feb 20 WHO report detailed the response to last year’s circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak – ‘the last laboratory-confirmed case reported having experienced the onset of paralysis in late October 2018’. Five immunisation campaigns were completed by December and ‘AFP surveillance continues to be enhanced and all provinces are now reporting cases of suspected AFP’. In its risk assessment, the WHO notes that ‘the risk of international spread of poliovirus from Papua New Guinea to be low… there remains a need for additional SIAs/NIDs in areas of low-coverage to strengthen routine immunization programmes. The risk of further spread of cVDPV1 within the country remains a great concern due to poor routine immunization coverage’. Read more
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.