The latest GPEI report announced that a positive circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) environmental sample collected early last month in Kitwe District (Copperbelt Province) was linked to the virus isolated in Botswana in October, and that was ‘linked to virus last isolated from an AFP case from Haut Lomami, DR Congo, with onset of paralysis on 30 May 2022’. In other polio news, the DR of Congo logged five cVDPV1 cases (Haut Lomami) and eight cVDPV2 infections (Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, Haut Katanga and Lualaba), while Mozambique’s three cVDPV1 cases in Zambezia take its total this year to 16. 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 poliomyelitis.
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.