New Polio Cases Confirmed

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative recently announced two African countries reported new polio cases involving vaccine-derived types.

As of April 11, 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported six circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases from the Kasai Oriental, Haut Katanga, and Tshopo provinces. During 2023, there have been 14 cases. 

And in Benin, a second cVDPV2 case was confirmed in 2023.

Additionally, Burundi reported three cVDPV2-positive environmental samples, and Somalia confirmed one sample last week.

Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the spread of poliovirus remained a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Therefore, the WHO's International Travel and Health recommends travelers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio.

Various polio vaccines are listed at Vax-Before-Travel.