Poliomyelitis
Commonly known as polio, this is an acute viral infection that attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. The poliovirus has been eradicated in most of the world, but the wild disease still occurs in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and imported cases occasionally occur in other countries. Infections have been found in regions including Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with more recent cases detected in wastewater surveillance in the UK and the USA. The route of transmission is faecal-oral, usually related to unhygienic food or water handling and/or directly from infected nasal secretions.
A cheaper and easier-to-administer vaccine, the Sabin (oral) vaccine, was circulated in the early 1960s and is still used in many countries. The poliovirus used in this particular vaccine is live but weakened, and in areas of poor sanitation and little to no polio immunisation, the vaccine virus can mutate and become capable of causing disease. This is known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (or cVDPV). However, there is another, inactive, vaccine that is administered throughout Australia.
Some countries may require that travellers provide evidence of poliomyelitis vaccination to leave a risk country.
![]({"file":"d73a5b15-6695-4ecb-8482-e47c2c096192.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Polio")
Symptoms
The majority of polio infections produce no symptoms, but in those that do, they are often mild and usually resolve after a few days. Despite having no symptoms, polio is excreted through the bowels for several weeks, increasing the risk of infection in areas with poor sanitary infrastructure and low immunisation rates. In rare cases, polio may spread to the central nervous system, which can result in meningitis, or, in severe cases, the infection may enter the brainstem or spinal cord, causing paralytic poliomyelitis. Severe cases of polio can result in the infected person suffering paralysis, becoming seriously ill, or even dying.
Prevention
Vaccines against polio are very safe and effective. Although most Australians and New Zealanders will have been immunised as children, efficacy may wane with time. A booster dose is strongly recommended and may be a requirement if visiting a country where there is active transmission of the disease (either wild poliovirus or cVDPV). For those individuals previously fully immunised, a booster given as an adult will provide long-term coverage.
The World Health Organization announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2014, pursuant to the International Health Regulations (IHR), and issued provisional guidelines to curb the transmission of the poliovirus. In certain instances, travellers may need to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which verifies the vaccination dosage and serves as evidence of poliomyelitis immunisation. Speak to your travel health provider for the recommendations or requirements for polio vaccination on your itinerary.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for polio, and treatments are only used to alleviate symptoms. The best way to protect yourself from polio is to receive vaccination.
Destinations
The following destinations are known to contain this disease:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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