Brazzaville, 5 November 2010 -- After 10 years with no detected wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission in the Republic of Congo, an outbreak has been reported

As at 5th November 2010, 134 cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) were reported over a period of 3 weeks in the Republic of Congo. The epicenter of these cases is Pointe Noire. There is evidence that the disease is spreading to other cities in Congo with cases and deaths being reported from Brazzaville, Dolisie, Kayes, and Mvouiti. The cause of this paralysis has been confirmed as wild poliovirus type 1.

Although cases have occurred in persons aged 1 to 72 years, the majority have been in young adults aged between 15 and 29 years. A total of 62 deaths have been reported. Similar high death rates have been reported in previous outbreaks in Cape Verde, Albania and Namibia.

Although the actual origin of the Poliovirus causing this outbreak is being investigated in laboratories in Franceville, Gabon; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Johannesburg, South Africa and Atlanta in the United States of America, preliminary findings indicate that the outbreak is due to virus importation from neighboring countries were Wild Poliovirus circulation is ongoing.

Polio immunization coverage among children under five years of age has generally been good in Congo over the past decade. The occurrence of polio in young adults indicates low immunity among this age group, likely due to the disruption of immunization services dur-ing periods of instability. Deficiencies in hygiene and sanitation infrastructure in the Congo are also compounding factors in this outbreak.

The Government of Congo, with support from WHO and other partners, has investigated and identified the cause of this outbreak. At least 3 large scale immunization campaign rounds, beginning on the 12th November 2010 in Pointe Noire and targeting the whole popu-lation are to be conducted. Additional campaigns are also planned in the rest of the country and neighboring districts in the surrounding countries.

Surveillance has been enhanced through out the country and communication with neighbor-ing countries initiated on the need to intensify vigilance and heighten surveillance.

Public awareness campaigns are being mounted to inform the population about the risk and the need to participate actively in the immunization campaign.

WHO, working with partners is mobilizing technical experts as well as vaccine to be used during the response campaigns.

This outbreak reminds us of the important role that good routine immunization, hygiene, clean water and sanitation infrastructure play in infectious disease prevention, particularly polio eradication.

The Regional Director calls upon partners, NGOs and the community in general to actively participate in the planned campaigns so that Wild poliovirus circulation can be interrupted within the shortest possible time.

For more information, please contact:

Technical contact
Dr Deo Nshimirimana , WHO/AFRO, Brazzaville; Tel. + 47 241 39154; E-mail: nshimirimanad [at] afro.who.int

Media contact
Samuel T. Ajibola, WHO/AFRO, Brazzaville; Tel: (+242) 66637022; + 41 241 39378; E-mail: ajibolas [at] afro.who.int