12 January 2005: Polio in Sudan

The World Health Organization has reported continuing escalation in the outbreak of polio in Sudan. In addition, a Sudanese child who experienced onset of paralysis one day after arriving in Saudi Arabia is thought to be suffering from polio contracted in Sudan. (1)

The outbreak of type 1 polio virus in Sudan is linked to the outbreak of polio in northern Nigeria and reestablishment of polio in neighbouring Chad. (2) This was reported in July 2004 . Twelve African countries have been affected by this outbreak, and three others remain endemic for polio. Previously, Sudan had remained polio-free for three years. 17 of Sudan's 26 states have reported cases of polio since May 2004, and a total of 105 cases have been confirmed as at 6 January 2005.

These cases highlight the importance of travellers ensuring their polio vaccination is up to date for visits to countries considered to be a risk for the disease. This will protect both the traveller and their native country against polio importation. For travellers who have completed their primary series of polio vaccination this means receiving a booster if ten years have elapsed since their previous dose.

References

1. World Health Organization. Poliomyelitis outbreak escalates in the Sudan. Wkly Epid. Rec. 2005; 1: 2-3 www.who.int/wer/2005/en/wer8001.pdf

2. World Health Organization. Poliomyelitis: imported case in Sudan, situation in northern Nigeria. Wkly Epid. Rec. 2004; 27: 245-246 http://www.who.int/wer/2004/en/wer7927.pdf

Links to further information

Global Polio Eradication Initiative www.polioeradication.org

NaTHNaC Polio vaccine recommendations