Ukraine

In Ukraine,  one case of polio, caused by vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2),  has been confirmed.  A VDPV2 was isolated from a case of acute flaccid paralysis (a 17-month old girl), from Rivne province (in the north-west of the country), and from six healthy contacts (siblings of the girl).

WHO risk assessment

Because of relatively limited international travel to and from this area, and sanitation infrastructure nationally and in neighbouring countries, the risk of international spread of this virus is currently assessed as low.  Due to subnational vaccination gaps in Ukraine, the risk of national spread is assessed as high.

In 2015, Ukraine was affected by a circulating VDPV type 1, resulting in two cases at the time.  This outbreak was successfully stopped in 2016, and this latest detection is unrelated to the 2015 outbreak.

WHO advice

It is important that all countries, in particular those with frequent travel and contacts with polio-affected countries and areas, strengthen surveillance for AFP cases in order to rapidly detect any new virus importation and to facilitate a rapid response. Countries, territories and areas should also maintain uniformly high routine immunization coverage at the district level to minimize the consequences of any new virus introduction.

WHO’s International Travel and Health recommends that all travelers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio. Residents (and visitors for more than 4 weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.

Countries affected by poliovirus circulation are subject to temporary recommendations issued by the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations on Polioviruses, under the auspices of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern.  The latest report by the Committee is as of August 2021.