Venezuela: Possible polio outbreak in Delta Amacuro

Event

Suspected cases of polio have been detected in the state of Delta Amacuro. If confirmed, it would be the first outbreak anywhere in the Western Hemisphere in some three decades. Clinical confirmation one way or the other will likely take several weeks.

Context

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can result in paralysis. The virus is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route and primarily affects children under the age of five. Around 0.5 percent of all infections result in permanent paralysis, with 5-10 percent of all paralysis cases resulting in death.

Venezuela has seen a resurgence in disease outbreaks in recent years (including of previous eradicated diseases), such as diphtheria, malaria, tuberculosis, and measles. These outbreaks come amid a multi-front crisis in Venezuela, with major shortages of medications and medical supplies (as well as food and other necessities), among various other issues. The vast majority of ten medications are difficult or impossible to find in the country, including many vaccines.

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to verify their vaccination status and keep abreast of the situation.