The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported receiving advance notification this week of two additional cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Kandahar province. This brings the total cases this year to three.
One case occurred in Shawalikot district, with onset on 5 January 2018, and one occurred in Boldak district, with onset on 6 January 2018.
In addition, five new WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported this week.
Pakistan and Nigeria, the two other remaining polio endemic countries, have not reported WPV1 cases this year to date. The onset of the most recent case in Pakistan was Nov. 2017, while in Nigeria, it was Aug. 2016.
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In Pakistan, three new WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported this week.
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