14 New Polio Cases Reported in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recently confirmed a total of 14 new polio cases.

According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), there were ten circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) cases reported as of August 2, 2023.

There are now 46 polio cases in the DRC this year. Last year, there were 146 cases.

Furthermore, the DRC reported four new cases involving circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). There are now 61 cases so far this year and 367 cases reported in 2022.

Previously, the DRC launched its first significant immunization campaign in June 2023 using the novel polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to protect children against polio. More than 17 million children under five in 20 provinces were included.

To alert international travelers of this health risk, the U.S. CDC included the DRC in its Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions, Global Polio Travel Health Notice, which was issued on July 28, 2023.

The CDC encourages polio vaccinations for most people visiting Africa.

Previously, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 advisory on July 31, 2023, saying people should reconsider travel to the DRC due to civil unrest and not visit certain providences.