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Polio Outbreaks Confirmed in 14 African Countries

Danielle Reiter RN — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 20:12:16 +0000

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) increased the polio outbreak Travel Alert for 14 African countries.

The CDC said in a new Level 2 Travel Alert published on December 11, 2019, that ‘there are confirmed polio outbreaks in various countries primarily located in central and eastern Africa.’

Additionally, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported ‘polio-endemic countries, which have never stopped the transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus, can also be affected by outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.’

This ‘Practice Enhanced Precaution’ Travel Alert is an important reminder to all travelers visiting the African countries listed below, to ensure they have previously completed the full polio vaccination series.

The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) both recommend visitors to infected areas for more than 4 weeks should receive an additional dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.

And, adults should discuss with a healthcare provider if it’s appropriate to receive a single booster dose of the polio vaccine.

The CDC and the GPEI have reported the following outbreak information for these 14 African countries:

Angola - There are 71 cVDPV2 cases from seven outbreaks reported in 2019.
Benin - There are six cVDPV2 cases in 2019 linked to the Jigawa outbreak in Nigeria.
Cameroon - Affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).
Central African Republic - There are 16 reported cases in 2019 from six different outbreaks of cVDPV2 in 2019.
Chad - There is one cVDPV2 case in the country linked to the Jigawa outbreak in Nigeria.
Democratic Republic of the Congo - There are 53 cVDPV2 cases in 2019 and 20 in 2018.
Ethiopia - Five cVDPV2 cases reported in Ethiopia in 2019, four of them are linked to the outbreak in neighboring Somalia and the fifth case is part of a newly reported Ethiopian outbreak this week.
Ghana - Nine cVDPV2 cases in 2019 linked to the Jigawa outbreak in Nigeria.
Mozambique - Circulation of cVDPV2 has been confirmed in Mozambique.
Niger - There are nine cVDPV2 cases in 2019 linked to the Jigawa outbreak in Nigeria.
Nigeria - There are 18 cVDPV2 cases reported in 2019. There were 34 cVDPV2 cases in 2018.
Somalia - A total of 15 cVDPV cases (eight type 2, six type 3 and one co-infection of both type 2 and type 3) since the beginning of the outbreaks.
Togo - There are three cVDPV2 cases in 2019 in the country linked to Jigawa outbreak in Nigeria.
Zambia - There is one cVDPV2 case from the first outbreak in the country.

According to the CDC, the United States has been polio-free since 1979, and the IPV has been the only polio vaccine offered in the USA since 2000.

IPV is given by a shot in the leg or arm, at 4 different times, depending on the patient’s age. IPV vaccination has not been known to cause serious problems, but side effects are a potential risk, says the CDC.

In the USA, there are various IPV vaccines available, such as Kinrix and Pediarix.

Once vaccinated, your doctor should provide you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis yellow card. This will serve as your official documentation of polio vaccination.

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly disease that affects the nervous system. Because the virus lives in the feces of an infected person, people infected with the disease can spread it to others when they do not wash their hands well after defecating.

People can also be infected with polio if they drink water or eat food contaminated with infected feces.

In rare cases, polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralyzed or if there is an infection of the brain, says the CDC.

Recently, there was some good news regarding the elimination of 2 out of 3 polio types.

An independent commission of experts concluded during October 2019, that wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) has been ‘eradicated’ around the world. This announcement follows the earlier eradication of wild poliovirus type 2 during 2015.

Additionally, global leaders affirm their commitment to eradicate polio and pledge $2.6 billion on November 19, 2019, as part of the 1st phase of the funding needed to implement the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s Polio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023.

Prior to traveling abroad, medication and vaccine counseling appointments can be scheduled with a travel specialist at Vax-Before-Travel.

Polio vaccine news published by Vax-Before-Travel.

Sub Title:

Africa travel alert elevated regarding expanding polio outbreaks

References:

CDC: Polio in Africa

Polio this week as of 11 December 2019

Poilio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023 Eradication, integration, certification and containment

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CDC Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

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Featured:

Polio Alert Issued for 8 Countries

Danielle Reiter RN — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 16:14:57 +0000

Reviewer:

Holly Lutmer PharmD

Robert Carlson, MD

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Alert saying ‘there are polio outbreaks in several countries local in Asia and the southwest Pacific Ocean.’

Furthermore, the CDC’s December 12, 2019, ‘Practice Enhanced Precaution’ Travel Alert is an important reminder to all adult travelers before visiting the Asian countries listed below, that adults who completed their routine polio vaccine series as children should receive a single, lifetime adult booster dose of polio vaccine.

And, those who have not yet been vaccinated, speak with a healthcare provider to discuss polio vaccination options.

Previously, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative said ‘endemic countries, which have never stopped the transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus, can also be affected by outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.’

An independent commission of experts recently concluded that wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) has been ‘eradicated’ around the world.

Following the eradication of wild poliovirus type 2, this news announcement on ‘World Polio Day’ represents a historic achievement for humanity, said the World Health Organization (WHO), in an October 24, 2019, statement.

The United States has been polio-free since 1979, reports the CDC.

The CDC says polio outbreaks have been reported in the following Asian countries:

Afghanistan - has never stopped indigenous wild poliovirus (WPV) circulation
Burma (Myanmar) - affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1
China - circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus confirmed
Indonesia - affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1)
Malaysia - the Health Ministry confirmed the 1st local polio case in a child under 1 year of age
Pakistan - affected by wild poliovirus type 1 and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2
Papua New Guinea - affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus
The Philippines - affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 and type 2 (VDPV2)

In a previous advisory, the World Health Organization issued vaccination recommendations on October 3, 2019, that these countries may require residents and long-term (4 weeks+) visitors to show proof of polio vaccination ‘before leaving the country.’

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the only polio vaccine offered in the USA since 2000. IPV is given by a shot in the leg or arm, at 4 different times, depending on the patient’s age. IPV vaccination has not been known to cause serious problems, but side effects are a potential risk, says the CDC.

In the USA, there are various polio vaccines available, such as Kinrix and Pediarix.

Once vaccinated, your doctor should provide you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis yellow card. This will serve as your official documentation of polio vaccination.

Prior to traveling abroad, vaccine counseling appointments can be scheduled with a travel specialist at Vax-Before-Travel.

People can also be infected with polio if they drink water or eat food contaminated with infected feces.

Most people with polio do not feel sick. Some people have only minor symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs.

In rare cases, polio infection causes permanent loss of muscle function. Polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralyzed or if there is an infection of the brain, says the CDC.

In the late 1940s, polio outbreaks in the U.S. increased in frequency and size, crippling an average of more than 35,000 people each year.

Recently, there was some good news regarding funding to eradicate polio.

On November 19th, 2019, health leaders met at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum affirming their commitment to eradicate polio with a pledge $2.6 billion dollars of financial support.

Polio vaccine news published by Vax-Before-Travel.

Sub Title:

CDC issued poliovirus outbreak travel alerts for certain Asia and Pacific Ocean countries

References:

CDC: Polio in Asia

WHO: Statement of the Twenty-Second IHR Emergency Committee Regarding the International Spread of Poliovirus

Global Eradication Initiative

Polio Case Confirmed in Malaysia

11 Countries Have Reported Polio Cases During 2019

CDC: What is polio?

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Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, polio alert, polio vaccines, asia and polio

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CDC Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

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Featured:

Ethiopia Gains $63 Million For Digital Health Tools

Danielle Reiter RN — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:51:10 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Holly Lutmer PharmD

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Health, located in Addis Ababa, announced the launch of the new $63 million investment in digital information solutions to further strengthen the country’s health system and improve the quality of services.

Announced on November 14, 2019, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) inaugurated this new partnership with Minister of Health Dr. Amir Aman, which builds on U.S.-Ethiopian efforts to create a modernized health information system that ensures the entire sector has access to the data, analytics, and skills necessary to improve the health and well-being of all Ethiopians.

With over 109 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is the 2nd-most populous nation on the African continent, located in the Horn of Africa.

This 5-year program will train doctors, nurses, health extension workers, and policy-makers at all levels of the health system to utilize technology more effectively and enable them to better serve patients and families across the country.

The USAID will also partner with local universities to introduce courses that develop competencies in health innovations, digital solutions and establish career paths that empower young Ethiopians to drive digital solutions across the sector.

The Digital Health Activity will also create opportunities for entrepreneurs and youth-led tech organizations to utilize their expertise in providing support to health centers.

The United States is the largest bilateral provider of support to Ethiopia’s health sector, with approximately $150 million per year in funding for tuberculosis; HIV/AIDS; malaria; maternal, neonatal, and child health; nutrition; and water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Ethiopia vaccine news

Overall, the United States has provided approximately $4 billion in development and humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia over the past 5 years.

To notify visitors about their health risks, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises all visitors to Ethiopia to ensure they are immunized against the measles virus and other diseases.

The CDC updated its Ethiopia travel vaccine recommendation to include Routine vaccines, which include the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, the annual influenza vaccination, Polio, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.

Furthermore, the CDC issued a Chikungunya alert on October 8th. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya. The most effective way to prevent infection from the chikungunya virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

And, a Polio outbreak notice was issued by the CDC on August 21, 2019.

Anyone departing from the USA can schedule pre-departure vaccination services and travel medication counseling appointments with a local pharmacy by visiting Vax-Before-Travel.

Travel news published by Vax-Before-Travel

Sub Title:

USAID funded digital solutions will empower Ethiopian doctors, nurses, health extension workers, and policy-makers to utilize technology more effectively

References:

U.S. Invests in Digital Solutions to Modernize Ethiopia Health System

CDC: Chikungunya in Ethiopia

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Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, ethiopia investment, us aid to ethiopia, measles in africa

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1.8 Million Filipino Children Covered by UNICEF’s Polio Vaccination Campaign

Danielle Reiter RN — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 22:56:07 +0000

Reviewer:

Holly Lutmer PharmD

Robert Carlson, MD

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is supporting the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) in the synchronized polio vaccination campaign launched in Metro Manila, Davao City, and Marawi City.

This immunization campaign started on October 14, 2019, and will continue until October 27th, said the World Health Organization (WHO).

The UNICEF & WHO campaign aims to cover around 1.8 million children under 5 years old in the 3 areas, as well as in Davao del Sur and Lanao del Sur.

Previously, the Philippines DOH declared a polio outbreak after 2 confirmed cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) during September 2019.

This polio outbreak is expected to spread rapidly due to the low level of population immunity against poliovirus type 2.

“The polio outbreak is a wakeup call for the Philippines. We must act now to protect children against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization,” said Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, acting WHO Representative in the Philippines, in a press release.

Polio is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death.

There is no cure for polio. However, it can be prevented through safe and effective vaccines.

Unfortunately, the Philippines has seen a decline in immunization coverage in the past few years, including for protection against polio.

In 2018, only 66 percent of children completed their oral polio vaccine (drops) doses, and only 45 percent received their inactivated polio vaccine (injection) dose.

At least 95% of children under 5 years of age need to be vaccinated, irrespective of their current vaccination status, to stop the spread of polio in the country.

Oyun Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Representative, added “There is no alternative to protect children from the risk of polio than vaccinating them. The polio vaccine is safe and effective. UNICEF is working with WHO to support DOH meet the country’s immunization targets.”

WHO and UNICEF are working with the Philippines Government to support vaccine supply and cold chain management, on-the-ground coordination, operations support, and monitoring. Polio vaccination is provided for free at health centers and involves 3 doses of polio drops and 1 injection.

Furthermore, the WHO recommends that all travelers and residents in polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio.

Even if you were vaccinated as a child or have been sick with polio before, you may need a polio vaccine booster dose to make sure you are protected, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the USA, there are various polio vaccines available, such as Kinrix and Pediarix.

Since 1979, no cases of polio have originated in the United States. This means that there is no year-round transmission of poliovirus in the United States.

Pre-trip, polio vaccine counseling appointments can be scheduled with a travel specialist at Vax-Before-Travel.

About UNICEF - "UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere."

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit Unicef/Philippines.

Polio news published by Vax-Before-Travel

Sub Title:

UNICEF supporting the synchronized polio vaccination campaign in Metro Manila, Davao City, and Marawi City in the Philippines

References:

WHO and UNICEF back the Department of Health in vaccinating 1.8 million children against polio

WHO: Polio outbreak– The Philippines

CDC: Health Information for Travelers to Philippines

CDC: Poliomyelitis

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