Poliomyelitis in South Sudan
02 Oct 2013
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 Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and one in 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. Following confirmation of the 3 polio cases, emergency immunisations were carried out in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Warrap State and Eastern Equatoria State.
The World Health Organisation has reported the three cases as suspected cases of polio which are currently being investigated. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to provide final confirmation of the laboratory results. All three suspected cases had previously been immunized with oral polio vaccine
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.