Polio Resurfaces in Nigeria
Government of Nigeria reports 2 wild polio cases, first since July 2014
New cases come on the two-year anniversary since the last confirmed case of polio was reported in Africa
11 AUGUST 2016 ¦ GENEVA - After more than two years without wild poliovirus in Nigeria, the Government reported today that 2 children have been paralyzed by the disease in the northern Borno state.
As an immediate priority, the Government of Nigeria is collaborating with WHO and other partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to respond urgently and prevent more children from being paralyzed.
These steps include conducting large-scale immunization campaigns and strengthening surveillance systems that help catch the virus early. These activities are also being strengthened in neighboring countries.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that 2 Nigerian children have been paralyzed by polio. The Government has made significant strides to stop this paralyzing disease in recent years. The overriding priority now is to rapidly immunize all children around the affected area and ensure that no other children succumb to this terrible disease,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
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