Poliomyelitis in Pakistan (Update)

10 Nov 2014

In the past week, 15 new cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in Pakistan. The cases were identified in the following areas:

• Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) - 8: South Waziristan (1), Frontier Region Bannu (1) and Khyber Agency (6).
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province - 4: Peshawar district (3) and Charsada district (1).
• Balochistan province - 3: Killa Abdullah district (2) and Quetta (1).

The total number of poliomyelitis cases in 2014, now stands at 235, this compares with 56 cases for the same time period in 2013.

Immunization efforts continue to focus on known high-risk areas, particularly the newly opened areas of FATA. More than 700 000 individuals (including 0.5 million children) have been vaccinated in the past few months at transit points and in host communities.

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.