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Polio outbreak reported in Horn of Africa
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An outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 in the Horn of Africa has prompted a vaccination campaign that will reach 440,000 children, according to WHO.
Three laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus were identified in Dadaab, Kenya, since April 30, the first cases in Kenya since July 2011. An additional case also was confirmed in Banaadir, Somalia. A vaccination campaign began May 14 in Somalia. A second round of vaccinations is planned for May 26 in Somalia and in the affected parts of Kenya.
According to WHO, the risk to neighboring countries is high because of large-scale movements across the Horn of Africa and persistent immunity gaps. Dadaab also is the location of a refugee camp that houses nearly 500,000 people. An alert for enhanced surveillance has been issued to countries in the Horn of Africa.
In addition, some areas of Somalia are affected by an outbreak caused by vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. This outbreak has led to 18 cases in Somalia since 2009 and caused three cases in Dadaab in 2012.
WHO advises that travelers to and from polio-infected areas be fully vaccinated against polio.