The Ministry of Health has declared a Public Health Emergency in Koforidua Eastern Regional Capital following the detection of circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), a highly infectious disease that largely affects children causing permanent paralysis.
The virus was identified through routine environmental surveillance by the Polio Laboratory of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), which serves as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Polio Laboratory.
The environmental sample, collected on 20th August 2024, tested positive for suspected polio on 3rd September and was confirmed as cVDPV2 two days later, on 5th September. The discovery has triggered immediate action from health authorities to prevent the virus from spreading to humans.
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health, confirmed the urgency of the situation, stating in a release that “This detection of environmental poliovirus is a serious concern. We are treating this as a public health emergency and are working tirelessly with our partners to contain the situation.”
The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, has outlined key measures to address the potential spread of the virus. These include detailed field investigations to identify the source of the infection, determining the extent of geographic spread, and enhancing surveillance activities.
The public is also being urged to adopt strict hygiene and sanitation measures to mitigate the risk of transmission.
“We are conducting thorough risk assessments and intensifying our surveillance efforts,” Dr. Buye added. “Our teams are in the field, identifying any potential sources of infection and ensuring that we limit the risk of transmission to humans.”
In addition to these efforts, the Ministry has issued a public advisory encouraging improved personal hygiene practices. “It is crucial that we all wash our hands frequently with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after playing,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry also advised the use of proper toilet facilities and urged parents and caregivers to ensure that their children complete their polio vaccination schedules. “We want to remind all caregivers to protect their children by ensuring they are fully vaccinated. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio,” said Dr. Buye.
Local authorities and health partners are working closely to address the situation and assure the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further spread of the virus.
Epidemiology
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) ,Polio is a highly infectious disease that largely affects children under five years of age, causing permanent paralysis (approximately 1 in 200 infections) or death (2-10% of those paralyzed).
The virus is transmitted from person-to-person, mainly through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, by contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. The incubation period is usually 7-10 days but can range from 4-35 days. Up to 90% of those infected are either asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms and the disease usually goes unrecognized.
Vaccine-derived poliovirus is a well-documented strain of poliovirus mutated from the strain originally contained in OPV. OPV contains a live, weakened form of poliovirus that replicates in the intestine for a limited period, thereby developing immunity by building up antibodies.
On rare occasions, when replicating in the gastrointestinal tract, OPV strains can genetically change and may spread in communities that are not fully vaccinated against polio, especially in areas where there is poor hygiene, poor sanitation, or overcrowding. The lower the population’s immunity, the longer vaccine-derived poliovirus survives and the more genetic changes it undergoes.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
