Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Several countries have reported new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), according to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Nigeria recorded three new cases as of March 26, bringing its total for 2025 to ten, compared to 98 cases last year.
Angola also confirmed its first case of the year. Meanwhile, wastewater surveillance in Israel detected a positive cVDPV2 sample in the Central province, with genetic analysis linking it to a strain from Nigeria’s Zamfara state rather than recent detections in Europe or Gaza.
In response, Israeli health officials have launched a comprehensive investigation, focusing on disease surveillance and identifying immunity gaps in densely populated areas.
In Pakistan, where polio remains endemic, 24 environmental samples tested positive for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), though the total number of WPV1 cases this year stands at six. Pakistan reported 24 cases in 2024, underscoring ongoing challenges in eradication efforts.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory urging international travellers to consult a vaccine expert before visiting polio-affected regions.
As global health authorities continue monitoring outbreaks, vaccination campaigns and public health initiatives remain critical to preventing further spread.
