12 Jan 2021 | 07:44 AM UTC
Burkina Faso: Poliovirus activity nationwide throughout 2020. /update 1
Poliovirus activity in Burkina Faso throughout 2020. Confirm vaccination; use basic health precautions.
Event
International health officials identified six additional cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) between Nov. 25-Dec. 31 in Burkina Faso, bringing the total for the year to 55 since Jan. 1. This is compared to zero cases of cVDPV observed in 2019 over the same time period. Dori, Sahel, is the most affected area, but cases have been reported in all regions of the country, with recent cases identified in Koudougou, Gaoua, Bobo, Fada, Ouagadougou, and Dori. This represents the most complete data available Jan. 12.
Context
Authorities reported a single case of cVDPV in Burkina Faso during 2019. 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 Burkina Faso, as even mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic people are infectious. In addition, adults who have been fully vaccinated 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.
