Wild poliovirus cases in 3 provinces

There have now been 24 wild poliovirus 1 (WPV1) cases recorded this year with the latest registered in the Sindh (two cases) and the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan (one case each). In Africa, more cVDPV2 infections were reported – Angola (Cuando Cubango province – one case), the D R of the Congo (three total from Kwango and Kongo central provinces) and Ghana (one case, location not identified). The status of wild poliovirus across Africa will be reviewed by an independent commission in June. The last two recorded wild poliovirus cases were in Nigeria’s Borno state in August, 2016. 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.