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Wild poliovirus identified in Cameroon

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WHO reported that the first cases of wild poliovirus type 1 were confirmed in Cameroon since 2009.

The virus was isolated from two cases of acute flaccid paralysis from the West region. The patients developed paralysis Oct. 1 and Oct. 19, and the viruses were linked to wild poliovirus circulating in Chad in 2011.

WHO said the risk of international spread of the virus is high, and it recommends that countries, especially those whose citizens have frequent contact with affected areas, should strengthen their surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis cases, provide rapid treatment response and maintain high immunization coverage.

Cameroon health officials are finalizing an emergency response plan, which includes local and national immunization campaigns. Oral polio vaccination coverage in the country is approximately 85.3%. Health officials also are investigating any gaps in surveillance. Neighboring countries Chad and Central African Republic also are planning a response to the outbreak.

This year, Cameroon reported four cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in the Far North region. Patients there developed paralysis between May 9 and Aug. 12. The cases were linked to polioviruses circulating in Chad, Nigeria and Niger.