Two confirmed cases in Papua New Guinea Polio outbreak

The highly contagious viral disease that impacts the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, respiratory difficulties, and death.

Papua New Guinea has reported a resurgence of polio.

According to ABC reports, the World Health Organisation has confirmed two polio infections in Papua New Guinean children, the first outbreak in the country since 2018.

Environmental samples collected in Papua New Guinea’s two largest cities, Port Moresby and Lae, have detected type 2 poliomyelitis through wastewater testing in their sewage systems and community transmission of the virus was confirmed in Lae.

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that impacts the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, respiratory difficulties, and death.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore confirmed the emergence of the disease, stating that the PNG government is closely monitoring the ongoing situation.

“The World Health Organisation has advised us environmental samples collected in Lae and in Port Moresby that there are some cases of poliomyelitis, poliovirus again in our country,” he said.

There are warnings the outbreak could spread to neighbours.

UNICEF has ramped up support of the Government of Papua New Guinea with a vaccination drive aimed at children in response to the detection of poliovirus after a national emergency response was triggered.

Others offering PNG support include the WHO and the Australian Government.

Currently, a meagre 50 per cent of the population are reportedly immunised.

UNICEF Papua New Guinea Representative Dr Veera Mendonca highlighted the role of churches in ensuring a swift vaccination campaign.

“We need their voices to promote accurate information and encourage vaccination,” she said.

“We call on community leaders, churches, media outlets, and other organisations to help share accurate facts and dispel any rumours or misinformation.

“While the focus right now is on stopping this outbreak, we must take this opportunity to boost routine immunisation to 90 per cent and protect children long-term.”

Dr Sevil Huseynova from WHO said the latest outbreak has been linked to strains circulating in Indonesia, and poses a risk to other nations.

“Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere, especially to our children. Polio in Papua New Guinea can spread to neighbouring countries and anywhere in the world,” Dr Huseynova said, as per the ABC.

Originally published as Two confirmed cases in Papua New Guinea Polio outbreak