The provinces of Khyber Pakhtoon, Punjab and Sindh each posted one wild poliovirus infections as reported by the GPEI last week. With these, Pakistan’s YTD total climbed to 58. While in Africa, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases were reported in Cameroon (one case from Est province), Chad (a single case in each of Ndjamena, Sila, and Tandjile provinces) and the DRC (one case each from Kwango and Kwilu provinces).
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.