The GPEI weekly report on Apr 21 revealed no cases of either WPV1 or circulating vaccine-derived polio over the reporting period, however six countries did register positive environmental samples. Iran’s cVDPV2 result, from Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, was the first for the year (following three in 2020), while two cVDPV2 positive samples were retrieved from Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe. The other countries mentioned in the report were Afghanistan, Pakistan, Benin and Sierra Leone.
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.