Additional Coverage:
Polio Outbreak Confirmed in Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea National Department of Health announced a polio outbreak early Friday. The virus was detected in wastewater samples and two healthy children in Lae, Morobe Province. The government is amplifying its response efforts to contain the spread.
While the affected children are currently asymptomatic, polio, primarily impacting children under five, can manifest flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, lead to paralysis or even death. There is no cure for polio, which spreads through contact with infected feces or respiratory droplets.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that less than half of Papua New Guinea’s population is immunized against polio. WHO representative Sevil Huseynova stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action and 100% vaccination coverage.
Health Minister Elias Kapavore acknowledged the seriousness of the outbreak but assured the public that it is manageable, citing the country’s prior experience combating polio. He reinforced the safety and effectiveness of vaccination and the government’s swift action to protect children.
A nationwide vaccination campaign, comprising at least two rounds, is already underway. The free vaccines will be available to all children under five. Increased testing and enhanced surveillance measures are also being implemented across the country to promptly identify any further cases.
This outbreak follows a previous incident in 2018, which ended a two-decade period where Papua New Guinea was considered polio-free.