Polio [to 17 May 2014]

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Polio [to 17 May 2014]

GPEI Update: Polio this week – As of 14 May 2014
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Full report: http://www.polioeradication.org/Dataandmonitoring/Poliothisweek.aspx
[Editor’s extract and bolded text]
:: The 67th World Health Assembly, the world’s highest health policy setting body, is set to meet from 19-24 May. The report of the polio eradication programme to the Assembly is available here.
:: A case of polio due to wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) was reported this week from the Nigerian state of Yobe with onset of paralysis on 19 April. This is the first case in this state since July 2013. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to determine the origin of the virus.
Nigeria
:: A case of polio due to wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) was reported this week from the Nigerian state of Yobe with onset of paralysis on 19 April. This is the first case in this state since July 2013. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to determine the origin of the virus. The total number of WPV1 cases for 2014 is three
Pakistan
:: Two new WPV1 cases were reported in the past week (one from North Waziristan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas – FATA – and one from Gadap, greater Karachi), bringing the total number of WPV1 cases for 2014 to 61. The most recent WPV1 case had onset of paralysis on 20 April (from North Waziristan).

Pakistan: Polio vaccine a must for exit travelers
Associated Press
May 13, 2014 12:35 PM
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan will require all travelers leaving the country to obtain a polio vaccination from June 1, 2014, the health ministry said Tuesday.
A statement from the ministry said the restrictions comply with a decision by the World Health Organization advising travelers of all ages to be vaccinated by next month.
It says all provinces have been provided necessary guidance and material to set up special counters at hospitals and airports for polio vaccination and certification.
The ministry spokesman Sajid Shah says pregnant women traveling abroad are not exempted from the restrictions and the vaccination is not injurious for them…