Status of Poliovirus Transmission Globally

Released:  November 28, 2006

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor the status of poliovirus transmission globally.  Until 1988, polio occurred throughout the world and the virus was endemic to over 125 countries. Polio has since been eradicated in many parts of the world.  

At this time, polio remains endemic (naturally present) in four countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Additionally, a further twelve countries have reported case activity in 2006 due to imported poliovirus: Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Niger, Somalia, Angola, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Yemen, Kenya, and Cameroon.

The countries of Chad, Mali, Sudan, and Eritrea reported transmission of imported poliovirus in 2005 but have thus far remained polio-free in 2006.

For a current list of confirmed cases by country, view the Global Polio Eradication Initiative's website.

Sources: Global Polio Eradication Initiative, World Health Organization (WHO)

Polio

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is an acute infectious disease caused by one of three gastrointestinal viruses, either polio virus type 1, 2 or 3.  The polio virus can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.  As a result, the affected muscles no longer function, and irreversible paralysis can occur.  In severe cases, the disease may lead to death.  Polio mainly affects children under 3 years of age, but can strike older children and adults as well.

For additional information on the prevention and treatment of polio, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada's Disease Information Backgrounder on Polio.

Recommendations

Canadians travelling internationally should ensure that their routine childhood immunizations including diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella are up to date before travelling, regardless of their destination.

Vaccination against polio in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is recommended for Canadians travelling to regions of the world where wild-type poliovirus continues to circulate.

• Children and adults who are not immunized should receive full immunization against polio (three doses of IPV).
• Children who have received their childhood polio series are protected against polio when travelling to regions where polio occurs.
• Adults who are immunized (i.e., have received their childhood series) require a single booster dose when travelling to an area where polio may be a risk.

As a reminder…

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadian international travellers contact a physician or travel medicine clinic four to six weeks prior to departure for an individual risk assessment.  Based on each travellers' current health status, previous immunization history and anticipated travel itinerary, their need for immunizations including polio can be assessed.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends as well, that travelers, who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada, should seek a medical assessment with their personal physician.  Travellers should inform their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.

For additional information from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Read the Travel Medicine Program's previous Travel Health Advisories on polio at:  http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/disarch_e.html#poliovirus

Consult the Travel Medicine Program's document:  Immunizations Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/236_e.html

Consult the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel Statement on Poliomyelitis Vaccination for International Travellers

Visit the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to view the Canadian Immunization Guide, 6th Edition at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/naci-ccni/

Additional information from other sources:

For information on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, visit: http://www.polioeradication.org