World Health Organisation issues notice of outbreak of vaccine-derived polio circulating in Kenya and Tanzania
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MGN003
Category: News | Infectious Diseases
Category Tags: Polio, Kenya, Tanzania, Infectious Diseases, Vaccine-derivative
Source: WHO Press Release 28 July 23
The WHO has issued two outbreak notifications for vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (cVDPVW) – one in United Republic of Tanzanie and the other in Kenaya
The situation in Tanzania
On 4 July 2023, Tanzania's Ministry of Health reported the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in the Rukwa region, southwestern Tanzania. The virus was found in a case of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and genetically linked to cVDPV2 circulating in South Kivu, DRC. The Ministry is conducting further investigations and strengthening AFP surveillance to detect additional cases and assess immunity gaps. The WHO considers the overall risk at the national level to be high due to sub-optimal surveillance, low vaccination coverage, and ongoing population movement across neighbouring countries
Access the Situation Report for Tanzania
Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) - Tanzania
The situation in Kenya
On 11 July 2023, the WHO received a report about the detection of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in two acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases and two asymptomatic children in Hagadera refugee camp, Kenya. Genetic sequencing confirmed the link to cVDPV2 circulating in Banadir, Somalia. Due to overcrowded living conditions, high malnutrition rates, inadequate water and sanitation facilities, and frequent population movements with Somalia, the WHO considers the overall risk at the national level to be high. Hagadera is the second-largest refugee camp globally, accommodating over 100,000 refugees.
Access the Situation Report for Kenya
Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) - Kenya
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