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It can cause deformities and paralysis, and mainly affects children under five years old.
In some remote villages in PNG polio vaccination rates are thought to be as low as 7 per cent. Source: AAP / Brendan Esposito
The virus was detected in wastewater and environmental samples in the Pacific nation’s capital Port Moresby and second-largest city Lae, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
The health agency “expresses deep concern over the confirmed outbreak”, she said.
He recommended health authorities collaborate with trusted partners, such as churches and women’s groups, to disseminate hygiene kits and promote hand‑hygiene stations at schools, markets, and health services.
Tracing PNG’s polio outbreak
Papua New Guinea health minister Elias Kapavore said the situation was “serious but manageable”.
“Vaccination is safe and effective, and we’re acting quickly to keep children protected.”
