9 June 2006
The National Department of Health (DOH) 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 three have been confirmed as caused by wild polio
virus.
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, Medical Research Council (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 formal request to 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 five, 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 polio virus 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.
Enquiries:
Solly Mabotha
Cell: 083 678 9860
Tel: (012) 312 0609
Issued by: Department of Health
9 June 2006
