Public Advisory to travellers visiting countries with ongoing or recent transmission of poliomyelitis (polio)

30 Apr 2008

1. The Ministry of Health would like to remind members of the public travelling to countries with ongoing or recent transmission of polio to be fully immunised against the infection.

2. Polio is an infectious disease affecting mainly infants and young children. Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Paralysis occurs in less than 1% of infections. The majority of people who are infected do not show any symptoms but they can still spread the infection to others.

3. Travellers should ensure that they have received at least three doses of polio vaccine in the past. Otherwise, ‘catch-up’ immunisation should be arranged with your doctor prior to your departure.

4. In addition, a booster dose of polio vaccine is recommended for adults who have had at least three doses of the polio vaccine and are travelling to countries with ongoing or recent transmission of polio. Based on available scientific information, adults do not need more than a single lifetime booster dose.

5. Polio is spread mainly via the faecal-oral route. Travellers should therefore observe good personal and food hygiene practices. They are also advised to seek medical treatment immediately if they become unwell and inform the doctor of the travel history.

6. More information on polio and immunisation against polio are available in the FAQ on MOH website at http://www.pqms.moh.gov.sg/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx.

Countries with ongoing or recent transmission of polio

7. The World Health Organization has reported that polio remains endemic in parts of India with cases concentrated in the northern state of Bihar. Bihar is an international tourist destination and the city of Buddhagaya (Bodhgaya) in Bihar is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Please refer to the Annex for the full list of countries. Travellers going to these countries are reminded to be fully immunised against polio and receive a booster dose before departure.

Annex

LIST OF COUNTRIES WITH ONGOING OR RECENT TRANSMISSION OF POLIO

AS OF 30 APRIL 2008

Please refer to http://www.polioeradication.org/casecount.asp for the latest list of countries with ongoing or recent transmission of polio.