04 Jan 2020 | 04:09 PM UTC
Ghana: Reports of 11 polio cases as of December 31
Health officials report 11 cases of polio as of December 31; further spread of the disease possible in the near term
Event
According to health officials, at least 11 new polio cases have been reported from July through Tuesday, December 31. Further spread of the disease is possible in the coming weeks and months.
Context
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is an infectious disease caused by the transmission of the poliovirus through the intestines. The poliovirus is typically transmitted from one person to another by ingesting food or water containing infected fecal matter; in rare instances, it can be spread through infected saliva. Most poliovirus infections are asymptomatic while minor symptoms include fever, headache, and sore throat. One percent of infections enter the central nervous system, causing neck, back, and extremity pain, vomiting, and lethargy.
An effective vaccine against the disease exists.
Advice
Individuals in Ghana are advised to verify their vaccination status and monitor developments to the situation.
