Kretsinger K. MMWR. 2012;61:190-194.
There was a 47% decrease in reported wild poliovirus
cases from 2010 to 2011 in African countries where the virus remains, according
to a CDC report.
The number of cases decreased in Angola (33 to five) and
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (100 to 93). However, the number of
cases increased in Nigeria (21 to 62) and in Chad (26 to 132). New outbreaks
were reported in eight countries, and transmission was subsequently interrupted
in six of them. Nigeria remains a polio-endemic country, reporting 62 new cases
in 2011 vs. 21 in 2010.
“Ongoing endemic transmission in Nigeria poses a
major threat to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative,” the researchers
wrote. “Vigilant surveillance and high population immunity levels must be
maintained in all African countries to prevent and limit new outbreaks.”
In Angola, four cases were reported in the southern
province of Kuando Kubango, and one was reported in the northern province of
Uíge. In Chad, 129 cases were reported across 15 regions, and three
cases were reported in the eastern border region of Ouaddai. In the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, 93 cases were reported in Kasai Occidental, Bandundu,
Katanga, Bas-Congo, Kinshasa and Maniema provinces.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant
financial disclosures.