GPEI Update: Polio this week – As of 19 March 2014
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Full report: http://www.polioeradication.org/Dataandmonitoring/Poliothisweek.aspx
[Editor’s extract and bolded text]
:: In Cameroon, due to continued circulation of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), gaps in surveillance and influx of vulnerable populations from Central African Republic (CAR), the World Health Organization is elevating the risk assessment of international spread of polio from Cameroon to ‘very high’.
:: Last week, two new WPV1s were reported from Cameroon, and one new case is reported this week, confirming continued transmission of this strain and geographic expansion of infected areas following detection of four cases in October. Outbreak response immunization activities since October has not been sufficient to stop transmission. More.
:: A new case of WPV1 was also reported this week in Equatorial Guinea with onset of paralysis on 28 January from Centro Sur province, close to the border with Cameroon. This is the first polio case reported from the country since 1999. Genetic sequencing indicates that the isolated virus is linked to transmission in Cameroon. To interrupt WPV1 transmission, outbreak response activities are currently being planned, including NIDs in early April. Reported routine coverage of infants with three doses of OPV is estimated at only 40%.
Nigeria
:: One new cVDPV2 case was reported in the past week. The total number of cVDPV2 cases for 2014 is one, and for 2013 is 4. The most recent cVDPV case had onset of paralysis on 09 February 2014 (from Damboa, Borno).
:: Analysis of recent Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) indicates overall quality continues to improve, including in highest-risk areas. According to Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS), almost 90% of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 11 high-risk states achieved coverage of at least 80% during last week’s conducted IPDs. This compares to less than 65% of LGAs in these same states achieving the same level of coverage just 12 months ago.
Pakistan
:: Two new WPV1 cases were reported in the past week, one from Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and one from greater Karachi, Sindh, bringing the total number of cases for 2014 to 29. The most recent case had onset of paralysis on 15 February (WPV1 from North Waziristan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas – FATA).
Central Africa
:: A new case of WPV1 was also reported this week in Equatorial Guinea with onset of paralysis on 28 January from Centro Sur province, close to the border with Cameroon. This is the first polio case reported from the country since 1999. Genetic sequencing indicates that the isolated virus is linked to transmission in Cameroon. To interrupt WPV1 transmission, outbreak response activities are currently being planned, including NIDs in early April. Reported routine coverage of infants with three doses of OPV is estimated at only 40%.
:: In Cameroon, one new WPV1 case was reported in the past week, with onset of paralysis on 31 January 2014, confirming continued WPV1 transmission and geographic expansion of infected areas following detection of cases in October.
:: Genetic sequencing suggests prolonged undetected circulation. Due to continued poliovirus circulation in Cameroon, gaps in surveillance and influx of vulnerable populations from CAR, WHO is elevating the risk assessment of international spread of polio from Cameroon to very high.
The Weekly Epidemiological Report (WER) for 21 March 2014, vol. 89, 12 (pp. 117–132) includes:
:: Vaccine-derived polioviruses detected worldwide, July 2012–December 2013
:: Combined use of inactivated and oral poliovirus vaccines in a large-scale campaign in refugee camps and host communities – Kenya, December 2013
http://www.who.int/entity/wer/2014/wer8912.pdf?ua=1
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on joint anti-polio strategy
The News | 22 March 2014
Islamabad: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday agreed to formulate a joint strategy on polio eradication in the region.
Excerpt
The agreement came during a meeting of Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq and Director General of the Afghan Ministry of Public Health Dr Taufiq Mashal with the core polio eradication teams of the two countries.
The participants reviewed the current polio situation in the Pak-Afghan border areas and discussed ways to scale up coordination and collaboration on polio eradication and improve the cross-border routine immunisation coverage.
“Polio eradication is a top priority for both governments. And today’s meeting is a symbol of our collective efforts and commitment to ensure that the transmission of polio virus is stopped in both countries and globally,” said Ms Ayesha Raza…
WHO “Feature”: Nepal stays vigilant to prevent polio’s return
March 2014
http://www.who.int/features/2014/polio-nepal/en/