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Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/un-says-first-local-polio-case-found-in-zambia-since-1995-1.4651492
UN says first local polio case found in Zambia since 1995
The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, October 23, 2019 6:34AM EDT
Last Updated Wednesday, October 23, 2019 7:10AM EDT
LONDON -- The World Health Organization says Zambia has reported its first local case of polio since 1995, in a 2-year-old boy paralyzed by a virus derived from the vaccine.
In a report this week, WHO said the case was detected on the border with Congo, which has reported 37 cases of polio traced to the vaccine this year. The UN health agency said there is no established link between the Zambia case and the Congo outbreak but said increased surveillance and vaccination efforts are needed, warning that "there is a potential for international spread."
In rare cases, the live virus in oral polio vaccine can mutate into a form capable of sparking new outbreaks.
Nine African countries are currently battling polio epidemics linked to the vaccine as WHO and partners struggle to keep their efforts to eradicate polio on track. Elsewhere, cases have been reported in China, Myanmar and the Philippines.
On Thursday, WHO and partners are expected to announce they have rid the world of type 3 polio virus...
UN says first local polio case found in Zambia since 1995
The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, October 23, 2019 6:34AM EDT
Last Updated Wednesday, October 23, 2019 7:10AM EDT
LONDON -- The World Health Organization says Zambia has reported its first local case of polio since 1995, in a 2-year-old boy paralyzed by a virus derived from the vaccine.
In a report this week, WHO said the case was detected on the border with Congo, which has reported 37 cases of polio traced to the vaccine this year. The UN health agency said there is no established link between the Zambia case and the Congo outbreak but said increased surveillance and vaccination efforts are needed, warning that "there is a potential for international spread."
In rare cases, the live virus in oral polio vaccine can mutate into a form capable of sparking new outbreaks.
Nine African countries are currently battling polio epidemics linked to the vaccine as WHO and partners struggle to keep their efforts to eradicate polio on track. Elsewhere, cases have been reported in China, Myanmar and the Philippines.
On Thursday, WHO and partners are expected to announce they have rid the world of type 3 polio virus...