Two Cases of Polio Detected in Nigeria

Two children have been diagnosed with polio in Nigeria, after two years without any polio recognized in that country. Polio is a terrible disease that no child should suffer. Confirmation of wild poliovirus in Nigeria is a disappointing setback but doesn’t change our determination to end polio, or the fact that the world has continued to make progress toward polio eradication.

The two cases were detected in the Nigerian State of Borno by the Nigerian polio surveillance system  The volatile security situation in this area can significantly impact disease surveillance and vaccination efforts.

CDC scientists and physicians have a long history of collaborating with the Government of Nigeria and international health partners such as WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support polio eradication efforts in Nigeria and throughout the world through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. CDC will continue to provide technical and scientific support as part of the Nigerian and global response to polio eradication.

This is not the first time that polio eradication efforts have experienced a setback. It is a reminder that we must redouble efforts to strengthen surveillance and immunization activities. We remain 100% committed to eradicating polio. The smallpox eradication program has experienced many setbacks on the path to end this disease. Our experience has taught us that commitment and perseverance are two critical elements needed for success. We continue our commitment to end polio and will persevere until it is eradicated forever.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES