Niger: Three polio cases reported in south as of early October

Event

Three cases of polio were reported on October 5 in southern Niger, near the border with Nigeria. National health officials, along with experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are currently investigating the source of the outbreak, occurring just months after a major UN vaccination operation in the country. However, Nigerien officials generally claim that most polio cases are imported by refugees fleeing neighboring Nigeria.

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.

Advice

Individuals in Niger are advised to verify their vaccination status and monitor developments to the situation.