Status of Poliovirus Transmission Globally

Released:  July 25, 2007

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor the status of [wild-type] poliovirus transmission globally.  Until 1988, polio occurred throughout the world and the virus was endemic to over 125 countries; polio has since been eradicated in many parts of the world. Polio is a vaccine preventable disease and PHAC reminds Canadian travellers to ensure that their routine childhood immunizations are up to date before travelling internationally, regardless of their destination.  

As of July 10, 2007 polio remains endemic (naturally present) in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan and a further six countries have reported imported cases of polio this year:  Angola, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Niger, and Somalia.  Although no case activity has been reported in 2007, the countries of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, and Yemen continue to be considered risk areas for reintroduction of poliovirus transmission.

For a current list of confirmed cases by country, see: Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Sources: Global Polio Eradication Initiative, World Health Organization (WHO)

Polio

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is an acute infectious disease caused by one of three gastrointestinal viruses, either polio virus type 1, 2 or 3. The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs.  The polio virus can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.  As a result, the affected muscles no longer function, and irreversible paralysis can occur.  In severe cases, the disease may lead to death.  Polio mainly affects children under 3 years of age, but can strike older children and adults as well.

For additional information on the prevention and treatment of polio, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada's Disease Information Backgrounder on Polio.

Recommendations

Canadian travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine childhood immunizations including diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella are up to date before travelling internationally, regardless of their destination.

In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI):

• Children and adults who are not immunized should receive full immunization against polio (three doses of IPV).
• Children who have received their childhood polio series are protected against polio when travelling to regions where polio occurs.
• Adults who have received their full childhood series should receive a one-time booster dose when travelling to an area where polio transmission may be a risk.

As a reminder…

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadian international travellers contact a physician or travel medicine clinic six to eight weeks prior to departure for an individual risk assessment.  Based on each travellers' current health status, previous immunization history and anticipated travel itinerary, their need for immunizations including polio can be assessed.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends as well, that travelers, who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada, should seek a medical assessment with their personal physician.  Travellers should inform their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.

For additional information from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Consult the Travel Medicine Program's document: Immunizations Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada

Consult the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel Statement on Poliomyelitis Vaccination for International Travellers

Visit the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to view the Canadian Immunization Guide, 7^th Edition.

Additional information from other sources:

For information on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, visit: http://www.polioeradication.org