Polio in Nigeria

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reported 64 cases of polio in Nigeria in the week ending 28 December 2021. Cases were recorded in nine states, with 35 in Kebbi, eight in Sokoto, six in Kaduna, four in Nasarawa, four in Kwara, two in FCT, and one case each in Niger, Ekiti and Lagos. This brings the total number of polio cases in Nigeria in 2021 to 385.

Advice for travellers

Poliomyelitis is spread mainly through person to person contact via the faecal-oral route. 

The polio vaccination recommendations for Nigeria remain unchanged. However, due to the recent increase in cases, travel health professionals are reminded that travellers should: 

• be offered a booster dose of poliomyelitis vaccine if it has been more than ten years since their last dose 
• practice safe hand hygiene and food and water precautions during travel to reduce their risk of exposure to polio virus

Further advice on poliomyelitis can be found on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 6 January 2022