A new outbreak of polio has been confirmed in Papua New Guinea, raising alarm among health officials due to the country’s low vaccination coverage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that traces of the poliovirus were found in wastewater and environmental samples collected in Port Moresby and Lae — the country’s capital and second-largest city, respectively.
Subsequent tests revealed that two children in Lae had contracted the type 2 strain of the poliovirus, according to WHO’s representative in Papua New Guinea, Sevil Huseynova. She confirmed that this constitutes a community outbreak.
“The confirmation of polio in these children signifies an outbreak, and the WHO is deeply concerned,” Huseynova said in briefing notes shared with AFP.
Genetic analysis has linked the strain to one currently circulating in Indonesia.
Papua New Guinea was declared polio-free in 2000, but immunisation rates have since declined. According to the WHO, fewer than 50% of children in the country are vaccinated against polio.
“Polio is extremely contagious, and in communities with low vaccination coverage, it can spread rapidly,” Huseynova warned.
Health Minister Elias Kapavore addressed the nation, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation but urging calm.
“This is a serious issue, but it is manageable,” he said. “We’ve successfully addressed outbreaks before. Vaccination remains our most powerful tool, and we are moving swiftly to protect our children.”
AFP
