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Malawi Confirms poliovirus type 2 Outbreak
(MENAFN) Malawi has officially declared an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) after the virus was detected in environmental samples, Health Ministry officials confirmed on Saturday.
Secretary for Health and Sanitation Dan Namarika said the virus was identified through routine sewage monitoring at two locations in Blantyre, the country’s commercial hub. Authorities warned that the virus poses serious health risks and can cause permanent paralysis in children, much like the wild poliovirus.
“Following advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the ministry is working around the clock to intensify measures to contain the outbreak, as we did in 2022. We therefore urge the general public to maintain food hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure that children are fully vaccinated,” Namarika stated.
He added that plans are underway for supplementary immunization campaigns to protect children and halt further transmission.
Malawi previously responded to a polio outbreak in 2022, after a case of wild poliovirus type 1 was detected in a 14-year-old, ending a 30-year period without reported cases. No new cases had been recorded until this latest detection.
The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, is collaborating with Malawi’s government in its polio eradication efforts, including supplying 6.8 million vaccine doses and supporting improvements to the country’s immunization supply chain.
Polio attacks the nervous system and, if left untreated, can result in permanent physical disabilities.
Secretary for Health and Sanitation Dan Namarika said the virus was identified through routine sewage monitoring at two locations in Blantyre, the country’s commercial hub. Authorities warned that the virus poses serious health risks and can cause permanent paralysis in children, much like the wild poliovirus.
“Following advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the ministry is working around the clock to intensify measures to contain the outbreak, as we did in 2022. We therefore urge the general public to maintain food hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure that children are fully vaccinated,” Namarika stated.
He added that plans are underway for supplementary immunization campaigns to protect children and halt further transmission.
Malawi previously responded to a polio outbreak in 2022, after a case of wild poliovirus type 1 was detected in a 14-year-old, ending a 30-year period without reported cases. No new cases had been recorded until this latest detection.
The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, is collaborating with Malawi’s government in its polio eradication efforts, including supplying 6.8 million vaccine doses and supporting improvements to the country’s immunization supply chain.
Polio attacks the nervous system and, if left untreated, can result in permanent physical disabilities.
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