Polio outbreak in the Philippines in 2019
On November 25th 2019, the Ministry of Health in the Philippines confirmed eight cases of polio in the country since September 2019.
The polio outbreak was declared in the Philippines on 19th September 2019. The risk of transmission and recirculation of the polio virus within the Philippines is high due to low population immunity. There is a risk of international spread but the risk is currently considered low.
The Philippine Department of Health and partners are working together to prevent further spread. The Health authorities in the Philippines are conducting mass polio immunisation rounds since October 2019.
For all travelers entering the Philippines:
- All travellers to the Philippines should ensure that they are appropriately vaccinated with all recommended vaccines (not just polio vaccine).
- Specifically for polio prevention:
Foreign nationals and returning Filipinos of all ages who are intending to stay in the Philippines for four (4) weeks and more are recommended to receive a single dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) not later than four (4) weeks before their scheduled travel to the Philippines if they have not received polio vaccination in the last 12 months.
Travelers undertaking urgent travel within four (4) weeks, are recommended to receive a single dose of IPV at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefits, particularly for frequent travelers.
For more information
https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/polio-outbreak-in-the-philippines
https://www.doh.gov.ph/doh-press-release/doh-confirms-8th-polio-case-in-the-country
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vaccinepreventable/polio/