Indonesia: Health officials confirm polio case in Papua province

Event

Health officials with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) confirmed the presence of at least one polio case in Papua province of Indonesia. The case is not believed to be linked with an ongoing outbreak in neighboring Papua New Guinea.

Context

Indonesia has not recorded a case of polio since 2006 when an outbreak affected 305 people.

Poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as polio, is an acute communicable disease and is transmitted from one person to another by oral contact with secretions or fecal material from an infected person. Most poliovirus infections cause asymptomatic viral replication that is limited to the alimentary tract. However, following an incubation period of approximately 7-10 days (although it can range 4-35 days), about 24 percent of those infected develop clinical signs such as fever, headache, and sore throat (considered a minor illness).

Advice

Individuals in or traveling to Papua province are advised to monitor the situation and confirm their vaccination status.