From the GPEI’s weekly report on polio cases, Nigeria logged 37 cVDPV2 cases from 12 states (14 cases in Kebbi), while both Senegal (Diourbel) and Somalia (Middle Juba region) detected a single case each. Following World Polio Day earlier this week, the WHO has published ‘Pursuing the endgame: novel polio vaccine rollout in Africa’, providing details of the campaign to tackle the rising numbers of vaccine-derived polio cases through the use of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). In other news, next month the newly minted African Medicines Agency will begin its role in coordinating ‘national and regional regulatory efforts, support local manufacturing and pharmacy, and act against substandard and falsified medicines’. Read more
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.