Sudan: Multiple cases of polio confirmed as of August 2020

Event

Health officials have reported multiple cases of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in the country between August 9 and August 26, 2020, with 13 cases reported in total. Two Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases were identified, with two children infected with a polio strain that reportedly shared genetic links with the virus detected in cases in Chad; the other cases are believed to be from the same origin. So far, the following states have recorded cases: Red Sea, West Darfur, East Darfur, White Nile, River Nile, and Gezira.

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.

Advice

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