By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

Burma map
Myanmar Image/CIA

In Myanmar, two circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) have been reported this week from Papun district, Kayin province, according to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Neighboring countries have been informed of the confirmed cVDPV1, and surveillance for polioviruses is being strengthened across the region.  Myanmar had previously successfully stopped a cVDPV2 outbreak in 2015.

Myanmar’s routine immunization coverage is strong, estimated at 89% at national level for bivalent OPV.

The Ministry of Health and local health authorities are undertaking a detailed investigation and the partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) are providing support as required.  A full epidemiological and virological field investigation is ongoing, including to ascertain the source and origin of the isolated viruses; active surveillance is being strengthened; subnational population immunity levels are being analyzed; and, outbreak response is being planned.

In addition, five additional wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases were reported (4 in Pakistan and 1 in Afghanistan). This brings the WPV1 case total this year to 56. 33 total cases were reported in all of 2018.

Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Angola all reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases.