Status: affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2)
Polio this week in Tanzania
- One cVDPV2 case was reported in Rukwa making it the first in the country.
- A cVDPV2 was isolated from an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case, with onset of paralysis on 26 May 2023, from Rukwa region of Tanzania. The VP1 Nucleotide sequencing confirms that it is genetically linked to an earlier isolated cVDPV2 from ES in Burundi. This new virus is classified as cVDPV2 as part of the RDC-SKV-1 emergence.
- A risk assessment is being implemented, led by the Ministry of Health and supported by Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, along with a field investigation, and planning of appropriate response. Surveillance for additional AFP cases is being further strengthened, and subnational immunity levels are being analysed to identify potential un- or under-immunized populations and/or areas.
- Since 2022, Tanzania has been actively participating in a multi-country outbreak response across south-east Africa, in response to detection of different strains of poliovirus in the sub-region, including by boosting immunity levels and strengthening subnational surveillance capacity.
International Health Regulations
Countries affected by poliovirus circulation are subject to temporary recommendations issued by the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations on Poliovirus, under the auspices of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The latest report by the Committee is effective as of May 2023).
Travel advice
WHO’s International Travel and Health recommends that all travellers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio. Residents (and visitors for more than 4 weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.
