Fourth confirmed case of polio in PNG

12:28 pm on 14 August 2018

Another case of polio has been reported in Papua New Guinea, this time in the Eastern Highlands province.

polio vaccination

Photo: 123RF

The 22-month-old girl is the fourth confirmed case in the country since the outbreak was confirmed in late July in Morobe Province.

Last month, another case was confirmed in Enga.

The World Health Organisation said the latest case was genetically link to the current outbreak in PNG.

It said it was currently investigating 65 suspected cases of polio across several provinces.

The WHO said the risk of further spread of polio across the country remained high, as there were considerable gaps in immunisation.

Both the government and the WHO have stepped up an immunisation drive across the country, and are urging parents to get their children immunised.

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