Читать книгу (101 things to know when you go) ON SAFARI IN AFRICA - Patrick Brakspear - Страница 61

Poliomyelitis (polio) is an acute infection caused by a virus which attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. Transmission is by fecal contamination of food, usually by unhygienic food handlers or flies, or directly from infected nasal secretions. Polio is a serious disease which attacks the central nervous system causing muscle paralysis. It is however preventable with a vaccine that is very safe & effective.

Although most countries have immunization programs in childhood it is important that travellers be aware that the efficacy wanes after ten years & a booster dose is advisable prior to travel especially if visiting a country where the disease is still found.

Polio continues to occur (endemic) in four countries: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. In 2011, in addition to the 4 endemic countries there were cases reported in Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Niger (all countries in Africa). All travellers need to get vaccinated if they are going to polio endemic countries, neighboring countries, or those countries where recent cases of polio have been reported.