Latest figures on polio cases worldwide October 2018

Wild Polio Virus - 1:     There have been 20 new cases of polio since 1^st January 2018, compared with 12 cases at the same time in 2017. 16 cases were in Afghanistan and 4 in Pakistan. 

 

Vaccine Derived Polio Virus: There has been 68 new cases since 1^st January, compared with 61 cases at the same time in 2017.   15 cases were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 13 cases in Somalia, 16 cases in Nigeria and 18 cases in Papua New Guinea and 6 cases in Niger.

 

Vaccine derived polio only occurs with the oral polio vaccine.  Many countries are now using the injectable vaccine, but it is more expensive as must be administered by a doctor or nurse.

 

Mansel Thomas

End Polio Now Co-ordinator.