17 June 2005

Polio in Indonesia - Update

On the 15 June 2005 the World Health Organization reported a further seven cases of poliomyelitis in Indonesia [1]. This brings the total number of cases to 46.

Two of these cases are from Sukabumi district, the same district as the index case; and five are from the neighbouring districts of Bogor and Lebak. The most recent of these cases developed onset of paralysis on 22 May 2005 , prior to the immunisation campaign held on 31 May - 2 June 2005 that is aimed at vaccinating more than 6 million children.

Travellers to Indonesia as well as to other polio risk countries are reminded to ensure that their polio vaccination schedule is up to date. Travellers whose last dose of polio vaccine was more than ten years previously should receive a booster.

Reference

1. World Health Organization. Poliomyelitis in Indonesia - update 4

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2005_06_15/en/index.html

Links

World Health Organization Polio Eradication Initiative.

http://www.polioeradication.org

NaTHNaC Poliomyelitis Information Sheet

http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/factsheets/polio.htm