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The poliomyelitis outbreak in Somalia that ran between 2013-2014 has officially been declared over. Almost 200 cases were reported during that time. It has now been 14 months since the last case was reported on 11 August 2014; if no further cases are reported for an additional 2 years, Somalia will be declared polio free by WHO.
The worst of the outbreak took place during 2013. The outbreak was announced in May when the first case was identified in Mogadishu and by the end of 2013, 194 cases had been reported. The rapid, coordinated reponse to the outbreak lead to quick control with only 5 new cases of polio reported in 2014.
More than 2.1 million children under the age of five were targeted in multiple mass immunization campaigns run by the Somali health authorities, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) and the partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
(Via ReliefWeb - accessed 23/10/15)
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of polio vaccine according to the UK childhood schedule. It is recommended that travellers have a poliomyelitis booster (or course) if not already protected. Travellers should also take precautions with food, water and personal hygiene.
