Polio in Chad
4 July 2011
Chad is currently undergoing an outbreak of two different types of wild poliovirus. Read on for facts about the disease and advice for those travelling to or working in the areas affected...
Chad is currently undergoing an outbreak of two different types of wild poliovirus. In 2011 there have been 65 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and 3 cases of wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3).Chad currently has the highest number of cases worldwide.
The outbreak of WPV3 began in November 2007 and the World Health Organisation considers that it has re-established itself in Chad. The WPV1 outbreak in Chad started in September 2010 and is thought to have originated in northern Nigeria. Cases were originally concentrated in the N’Djamena area. The virus has now spread to several other areas of the country including southern regions bordering the Central African Republic and Cameroon, and eastern areas, including those bordering Sudan. Furthermore, the virus has now spread from Chad into Sudan and other African countries.
With the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners, the government of Chad has put into place a 6 month national polio emergency plan. In May 2011, several national polio immunisation days have taken place in Chad with further immunisation activities planned for June 2011. The risk of further spread of the polio virus from Chad remains high.
Countries neighbouring Chad eg Cameroon, Central African Republic and Sudan have also conducted immunisation days to minimise the risk of re-infection. These countries and others in central Africa and the Horn of Africa are strengthening their surveillance to enable more rapid reporting of polio cases which enables a faster response by Ministries of Health, healthcare teams, etc.
Polio – facts about the disease
Polio is a highly infectious virus which is transmitted by food and water contaminated by human faeces. Therefore, hygienic sanitation and clean water play a key role in controlling the human spread of disease along with vaccination programmes. For most people polio is a mild illness and causes flu-like symptoms but it can be potentially fatal. It affects the nervous system and may result in paralysis.
Advice for those travelling to or working in the areas affected:
Anyone travelling to or working in Chad or in countries where poliovirus transmission has taken place in the past 3 years should ensure they have completed their primary vaccination course against polio. In addition, they should be given a booster of polio-vaccine if they have not received one in the past 10 years.
