05 May 2014 - After several days of consultation with the Emergency Committee which was convened under the International Health Regulations, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General has determined that the spread of wild poliovirus to three countries – during what is normally the low-transmission season – is an 'extraordinary event' and a public health risk to other countries. Because a coordinated international response is essential to prevent this from worsening at the start of the high season for poliovirus transmission, the Director-General is declaring this to be a public health emergency of international concern. Currently 10 countries have active wild poliovirus outbreaks that could spread to other countries through the movement of people. From January to April this year – that is the low-transmission season for polio – the virus has been carried to three countries: in central Asia (from Pakistan to Afghanistan), in the Middle East (Syria to Iraq) and in Central Africa (Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea).
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Polio declared public health emergency of international concern under International Health Regulations
05 May 2014 - After several days of consultation with the Emergency Committee which was convened under the International Health Regulations, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General has determined that the spread of wild poliovirus to three countries – during what is normally the low-transmission season – is an 'extraordinary event' and a public health risk to other countries. Because a coordinated international response is essential to prevent this from worsening at the start of the high season for poliovirus transmission, the Director-General is declaring this to be a public health emergency of international concern. Currently 10 countries have active wild poliovirus outbreaks that could spread to other countries through the movement of people. From January to April this year – that is the low-transmission season for polio – the virus has been carried to three countries: in central Asia (from Pakistan to Afghanistan), in the Middle East (Syria to Iraq) and in Central Africa (Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea).
