In a follow-up to a story earlier today, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported the following concerning Nigeria:
In Nigeria, wild poliovirus type one (WPV1) has been detected from Borno state. Virus was isolated from two local government areas (LGA) of Borno; in Gwoza LGAs, in a child with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP – onset of paralysis on 13 July) and close healthy contacts of that child; and in Jere from a close healthy contact of a child who had developed AFP symptoms on 6 July. Both cases are reported by ‘advanced notification’ this week and will be reflected in the official data next week.
It is the first WPV1 detected in Nigeria since July 2014. Genetic sequencing of the isolated viruses suggest they are most closely linked to WPV1 last detected in Borno in 2011, indicating the strain has been circulating without detection since that time.
An outbreak response plan is currently being finalized, consisting of three large-scale supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with bivalent oral polio vaccine (OPV), the first one beginning within two weeks and subsequent rounds being conducted at short intervals (of between two to three weeks).
Related:
One thought on “Nigeria polio update: 1st cases since July 2014”