Poliomyelitis in Democratic Republic of Congo

On 24 May 2017, the media reported two outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived polio virus (cVDOV2) in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent weeks. There were two cases in Haut Lomami province in the south of DRC and two cases in Maniema province in the east.

Outbreak response plans including supplementary immunisation activities in DRC are being finalized.

Note that DRC was not included in the list of countries with circulating vaccine-derived polio virus (cVDOV2) published by WHO on 2 May 2017.

Advice for Travellers

Ensure British Vaccination Schedule up to date/complete.

• Travellers should be aware that the disease still persists in some regions of the world and unvaccinated individuals are susceptible to this severe infection.
• Check the most recent advice for the countries to be visited.
• Practice good food/water hygiene whilst travelling. 

When to Consider Vaccination

Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependant on the individual risk assessment:

• Individuals with an incomplete vaccination history for polio, irrespective of region of travel.
• Travellers to endemic countries or countries reporting outbreaks (see individual country sheets for further information).