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Wild poliovirus cases decreased in African countries from 2010 to 2011
Kretsinger K. MMWR. 2012;61:190-194.
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There was a 47% decrease in reported wild poliovirus cases from 2010 to 2011 in African countries where the virus remains, according to a CDC report.
The number of cases decreased in Angola (33 to five) and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (100 to 93). However, the number of cases increased in Nigeria (21 to 62) and in Chad (26 to 132). New outbreaks were reported in eight countries, and transmission was subsequently interrupted in six of them. Nigeria remains a polio-endemic country, reporting 62 new cases in 2011 vs. 21 in 2010.
“Ongoing endemic transmission in Nigeria poses a major threat to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative,” the researchers wrote. “Vigilant surveillance and high population immunity levels must be maintained in all African countries to prevent and limit new outbreaks.”
In Angola, four cases were reported in the southern province of Kuando Kubango, and one was reported in the northern province of Uíge. In Chad, 129 cases were reported across 15 regions, and three cases were reported in the eastern border region of Ouaddai. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 93 cases were reported in Kasai Occidental, Bandundu, Katanga, Bas-Congo, Kinshasa and Maniema provinces.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.