Polio Outbreak Alert: Detection in Papua New Guinea

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Tuesday that circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was discovered in stool specimens of two children in Papua New Guinea on May 9.

According to a statement from WHO, the identification of vaccine-derived or wild poliovirus in samples, even from healthy individuals, constitutes a serious public health concern.

This occurrence has been officially classified as a 'polio outbreak', highlighting the need for prompt action to contain the spread of the virus in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)