Global Outbreak Update: 26 confirmed cVDPV1 cases in Papua New Guinea

The circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) has affected eight provinces and the National Capital District. Five rounds of Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIA) have been conducted.

• Status: 20 February 2019
• Time frame and cases: On 26 June 2018, an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) was declared. Since then, a total of 26 confirmed cVDPV1 cases have been reported.
• Regions: Regions affected and case numbers go as follows: Eastern Highlands (six), Enga (five), East Sepik (four), Madang (three), Morobe (three), Jiwaka (two), Gulf (one), Southern Highlands (one), and National Capital District (NCD) (one). Environmental surveillance continues on a bimonthly basis in Port Moresby and Lae to complement active Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) case search efforts.
• Virus Information: Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1). VDPVs are rare, though well-documented strains of poliovirus can emerge in some populations which are inadequately immunized.
• Response: 1. Five rounds of Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIA) were conducted from July to December 2018. 2. WHO and UNICEF consultants have been deployed for technical support. The third and fourth rounds of SIA included National Immunisation Days (NIDs) with a coverage of 93% and 97% respectively. 3. AFP surveillance continues to be enhanced and all provinces are now reporting suspected AFP cases. 4. In Papua Province, Indonesia, cross-border surveillance and immunization are under discussion.
• Recommendation: Countries, territories, and areas should maintain high routine immunization coverage at the district level. All travelers to polio-affected areas should be fully vaccinated. Residents (and visitors for more than four weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of bivalent oral poliovirus (bOPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
• More information on this update here.

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