By RFIPosted on 05-06-2019Modified on 05-06-2019 at 23:55

Two cases of poliomyelitis have been confirmed at two different sites in the Central African Republic: one in Bangui and one in Bambari. A great disappointment accompanied by concerns as the country was on the road to certification of the eradication of the disease.

Professor Godi is responsible for the children's hospital in Bangui, which received one of two cases diagnosed. The disease, which affects children under 5, is very contagious. It is caused by a virus that invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis. The virus spreads from one person to another, mainly through the fecal-oral route.

The teacher recalls the basic measures to fight against polio. " This remains a pathology where we have no treatment. There are multiple ways of transmitting viruses. Contact with the child, with objects that are soiled. It takes hygiene within families and vaccinating children, "he insists.

A complicated routine vaccination. Some areas are difficult to access because of the conflict or poor condition of the taxiways. The numerous displacements of populations as well as the promiscuity especially in the camps of displaced people are also a breeding ground for the propagation of the virus.

Some populations are also reluctant to vaccinate. The authorities are preparing a response plan to this alert, explains the Minister of Health, Pierre Somse. " There will be a zero response on sites in a radius that can circumscribe the spread of the virus, he said. We will at the same time intensify the surveillance, the collection of information to take stock of the circulation of the virus. On the basis of this information, the intensification of vaccination will be done. "

Today, the ministry estimates that in so-called risk areas, less than 50% of the population is vaccinated against polio.

#RCA Since the discovery of #polio cases to date, a crisis staff of # WHO staff has been set up and supports the @MSPCentrafrique for the development of strategies for the response. pic.twitter.com/vA4Tu711nr

WHO Central African Republic (@OMSCentrafrique) June 5, 2019

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