A single case of WPV1 in Balochistan was the country’s first in 2021, as reported in the Feb 26 GPEI update, while there were also two more circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 cases (cVDPV2). This time last year there had been 17 WPV infections, this year just two. Read more. Elsewhere, Afghanistan logged six cVDPV2 cases and, in Africa, the same VD strain was responsible for cases in Guinea (six cases from Nzerekore, Boke, Kankan and Faranah), Mali (two cases in Koulikoro) and one each in Congo and Ethiopia. The UK’s Travelhealthpro site notes that the seven countries with a change in their polio status since the 26th IHR emergency committee meeting in late October 2020 are: Congo, Egypt, Iran, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan and Zambia.
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.