On Sept 30 the GPEI reported Pakistan’s single case of WPV1 (Punjab province) and three cVDPV2 cases in Sindh. While in Africa, two countries reported one cVDPV2 infection each - Cameroon (Est province) and Sudan (Red Sea province); the DRC registered six cases (three each in Equateur and Mai Ndombe provinces) and Guinea, seven from the provinces of Faranah, Kankan and N’zerekore. On a global level, 120 wild poliovirus cases were reported to Sept 22 (82 for the same period last year), however the increase is many times higher for cVDPV which rose to 406 from 90 in 2019.
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.