04 Dec 2020 | 09:52 AM UTC
Sudan: Poliovirus update across several states, Nov. 24 /update 4
Poliovirus cases identified in several states of Sudan since August 2020. Confirm vaccination; use basic health precautions.
Event
From Oct. 21-Nov. 24, health authorities in Sudan identified seven additional cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), bringing the total to 46 cases. Kassala and Red Sea states are most affected. Cases were also reported in Gezira, Blue Nile, East Darfur, Gedarif, River Nile, White Nile, Khartoum, South Darfur, West Darfur, Sennar, and North Kordofan. This represents the most complete data available as of Dec. 2.
Context
The first cases were reported in early August, representing the first known cases of the disease in Sudan since 2009. The country was declared polio-free in 2019 after a decade of no polio activity. Cases of cVDPV are a rare result of widespread vaccination using oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains a live but weakened strain of poliovirus. When a child is immunized with OPV, the weakened vaccine-virus replicates in the intestine for a limited time, leading to the development of antibodies. In areas of inadequate sanitation, vaccine-virus excreted by these children can spread in the community infecting susceptible individuals.
Polio is highly infectious and can spread rapidly through contact with infected fecal material, such as in contaminated food and water. Infections are generally mild, but one in 200 cases leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those victims, 5-10 percent die when respiratory muscles become affected. The risk of paralysis increases with age. There is no specific treatment for polio.
Advice
Visit a doctor to receive polio vaccination before traveling to Sudan, as even mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic people are infectious. Additionally, fully vaccinated adults should consider receiving a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. Practice basic food and water precautions: Drink only boiled, bottled, or purified water, and ensure that food is properly prepared and served hot. Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
