Guinea is the latest African country to report cases of cVDPV2, after the GPEI was notified of eight infections in the eastern province of Kankan (Mandiana and Kankan districts) – these were the country’s first cVDPV2 notifications. In other weekly African news, Chad recorded four cVDPV2 cases (from Logone Occidental and Logone Oriental) and two in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kongo Central and Kwilu). In Pakistan, there were two cVDPV2 cases (Punjab and Sindh). The 236 cVDPV cases recorded globally this year represent a 5-fold increase over the same period last year.
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.