Fifteen new cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in north east Africa, the World Health Organisation has reported.

According to the WHO report, the new cases, in which paralysis is a feature, were identified in the Oromia province of Ethiopia. National Immunisation Day was held on the 23 May in this country.

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The report also says that Ethiopia had been polio-free since January 2001, and that the new polio virus had been introduced to Ethiopia from its neighbouring country Sudan.

Poliomyelitis is a disease which is rife in underdeveloped countries, where sanitation, socio-economic circumstances and hygiene are very poor.

There is no real treatment for polio. It can, however, be prevented by an immunisation campaign.

People wanting to travel to regions affected by this disease, have to be vaccinated before departing. This is done to prevent their contracting this extremely contagious virus, which is spread by direct contact.

Meanwhile, talks are being held in Ethiopia to organise a nationwide immunisation campaign in October.

Read more: Health24 A-Z of Polio.

(Edgar do Nascimento, Health24, September 2005)

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