Issued by the National Department of Health
9 June 2006
The National Department of Health has received notification of the polio outbreak in neighbouring Namibia and would like to assure the public that every possible measure is being put in place to prevent any possible importation of the disease.
According to the latest information received from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Namibia has notified the Institute of more than 34 suspected cases of which 3 have been confirmed as caused by wild poliovirus.
The Department views these developments with grave concern and has been in constant engagement with the Namibian authorities to explore collaborative response measures. Following an Emergency Outbreak Response Meeting including the DOH, NICD, MRC and other stakeholders, the Department has since intensified its surveillance efforts for early detection of polio cases.
To this end the Department has made a formally request all health professionals, both in the public and private sectors, to be on high alert for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases, that is cases that present like polio, in people of all ages.
The Department has advised that all suspected AFP cases be fully investigated with two stool specimens taken 24 hours apart within 14 days of onset of paralysis. The stool specimens must be sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg for investigation.
Other response measures include fast tracking of a mass immunisation campaign previously planned for 2007. The planned national campaign is envisaged for the third quarter of 2006. The campaign will focus on children under the age of 5, which is an age group commonly susceptible to polio infection.
A circular has also been sent to all private hospitals to be on alert for AFP cases and to notify the Department of foreign nationals entering the country through private flights seeking medical attention.
Early signs and symptoms of polio are non-specific and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pains. This progress to weakness and loss of function to limbs, especially lower limbs.
The poliovirus commonly spreads from person to person through hands that are contaminated with infected stools. In the interest of health promotion, we would like to urge our communities to follow strict hygiene measures including washing of hands especially after using of ablution facilities.
Visit your nearest health facility for more information. The National Department of Health * Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) can be contacted on: 012 312 0099.
Chief Directorate: Communications
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha: 083 678 9860