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The Government of South Sudan has reported an outbreak of poliomyelitis in the country; the first since 2009. On 26 Sep 2013, three cases were confirmed by the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi; two in Aweil South County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and one in Ikotos county, Eastern Equatoria State.
The Ministry of Health for South Sudan has been on high alert for polio cases following recent polio outbreaks in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. Additional polio immunisation campaigns were carried out in August 2013, in the States considered most at risk.
Following confirmation of the 3 polio cases, emergency immunisations were carried out in Aweil South County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, and Gogrial West county in Warrap State and Ikotos and Budi counties in Eastern Equatoria State.
Additional campaigns will be held in every State in the country in October, November, and December 2013.
WHO has reported the three cases as suspected cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) which are currently being investigated. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to provide final confirmation of the laboratory results to determine the origin of the isolated viruses. All three suspected cases had previously been immunized with oral polio vaccine (OPV).
(Via Global Alert and Response - accessed 02/10/13)
Advice for Travellers
It is recommended that travellers have a poliomyelitis booster (or course) if not already protected and take precautions with food, water and personal hygiene.
