The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development has placed health professionals in both public and private health sector on a high alert following the outbreak of acute poliomyelitis (AFP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The outbreak which is affecting mostly teenagers and adults in DRC is due to the imported polio virus. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origins of the virus.
People with the following signs and symptoms of polio: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and loss of function of limbs and muscle pain are encouraged to immediately seek medical attention at their local health facility.
Health professionals in the province have strengthened AFP surveillance in order to rapidly detect any polio virus and presented cases will also be thoroughly investigated including laboratory tests in order to prevent the spread.
The department also encourages people to wash their hands before eating as well as after using the toilet as the polio virus is commonly spread through hands that are contaminated with infected stool.
In the Republic of Congo, 184 cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis and 85 deaths have been recorded since 7 November 2010. Two cases have been confirmed to have been caused by the Wild Polio Type1.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
