Peru Investigates Unknown Poliovirus Strain

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently posted an update for another suspected polio case in the Republic of Peru.

PAHO announced on April 7, 2023, genetic analysis suggests this poliovirus isn't related to any other detected strains.

Local health officials are testing fecal samples, including that from a child from Atahualpa's native community who developed paralysis symptoms. The samples also include four contacts and four unvaccinated children as part of community surveillance.

The initial vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 case in Peru involved an unvaccinated child with no travel history whose paralysis symptoms began in December 2022.

The PAHO confirms polio is a vaccine-preventable disease.

The PAHO / World Health Organization reiterates to Member States the importance of continuing efforts to achieve and maintain polio vaccination coverage greater than 95% to minimize the risk of a poliomyelitis outbreak.

And strengthen epidemiological surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis, a polio-like illness that affects the spinal cord and can cause sudden paralysis.

There have been 724 confirmed Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases in the U.S. since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began tracking AFM in August 2014.

As of April 3, 2023, there has been one confirmed AFM case in 2023 out of 13 reports of patients under investigation.

In the U.S., poliovirus wastewater surveillance programs are active in New York and other states as of April 10, 2023.

To alert international travelers of this health risk, the CDC issued a Global Polio Travel Advisory in March 2023, which stated before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines.