Democratic Republic of the Congo
Status: affected by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2)
There have been new developments regarding cVDPV2s in DR Congo, which potentially has significant implications on the current outbreak response activities as a number of new cases have been confirmed in the country.
While none of the newly-confirmed cases are new emergences, the fact that the virus has now been detected in the mega-city of Kinshasa is of course of major concern. It is the first case in Kinshasa, and this area of the country has never been covered with mOPV2. The isolated virus in Kinshasa is linked to a strain currently circulating in neighbouring Angola.
DR Congo continues to be affected by several other genetically-distinct cVDPV2s (notably in Kasai, Kwilu, Kwango and Sankuru provinces).
Polio this week in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)
- Two cVDPV2 cases were reported in Kwilu province bringing the number of 2020 cases to four. The total number of cases reported in 2019 remains 86.
- DR Congo continues to be affected by several other genetically-distinct cVDPV2s (notably in Kasai, Kwilu, Kwango and Sankuru provinces).
- Read our Democratic Republic of the Congo country pagefor more information.
International Health Regulations
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is classified by the International Health Regulations (IHR) as a state infected with cVDPV2, with potential risk of international spread. It is therefore subject to temporary recommendations as of December 2019.
Travel advice
WHO’s International Travel and Health recommends that all travellers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio. Residents (and visitors for more than 4 weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.
