Polio outbreak confirmed in Kampala

In Summary
  • Samples collected from Lubigi and Bugoloobi sewage plants turned out positive for Vaccine Derived polio virus Type 2.
  • Affects children in communities with low immunity levels 
  • Outbreak attributed to reduced routine immunization

 

 

The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Polio in Uganda’s capital Kampala declaring a public health emergency in the country.

 According to a statement issued today, by the director general health services Dr. Henry Mwebesa all samples collected from Lubigi and Bugoloobi suburbs sewage plants  turned out positive for Vaccine Derived polio virus Type 2.

“Results from the tests carried out at the Uganda Virus Research Institute confirmed a circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus type 2 (Cvdpv2)” read the statement.

 The Vaccine Derived Polio virus affects children in the communities with low immunity levels, and has been declared in more than 19 African countries including three neighboring Uganda. These are the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Kenya.

 Dr. Mwebesa attributes the latest outbreak to reduced routine immunization.

 “While mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery of essential health services including routine immunization have been affected considerably, which implies fewer children were immunized against the vaccine preventable diseases. This slowdown has led to resurgence of polio globally, including Uganda” said Dr. Mwebesa.

 The continuous cross border movements of people from neighboring countries affected by this strain of Polio has also put the country at a risk of polio importation.

 Now the ministry of health is planning to conduct a nationwide door to door polio immunization campaign in October and December.

 The campaign is targeting to immunize all children aged five years or below against polio.

 Poliomyelitis is transmitted through contaminated water or food, or contact with an infected person.  A person infected with polio virus develops paralysis which is fatal and life threatening making one disabled.