Tajikistan

An outbreak of poliovirus imported from India is ongoing in the Republic of Tajikistan. This outbreak represents the first importation of polio into the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region since it was certified polio-free in 2002.

As of August 1, 2010, the Tajikistan Ministry of Health has reported 700 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (polio); the number of cases of paralysis per week has fallen substantially since four immunization campaigns were conducted in May–June. Of these cases, 452 have been laboratory-confirmed as polio. Of the confirmed polio cases, 312 are in children 5 years old or younger. Twenty deaths have been reported among people with confirmed polio.

Confirmed polio cases have been reported in the capital city of Dushanbe, Districts of Republican Subordination, and Khatlon Province, all in central and southwestern Tajikistan and one district in the northern Sogd province. The government of Tajikistan has requested technical guidance and support from WHO, which is communicating with neighboring countries about the outbreak. Tajikistan borders Afghanistan to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and the People's Republic of China to the east.

Russia

Russia has reported seven polio cases to date, five of which are linked to travelers, but there has not been substantial subsequent spread in the country.

Central Asia

Uzbekistan has reported an increase in cases of acute flaccid paralysis, including near the country’s border with Tajikistan, but so far none has been confirmed as polio. All countries in the Central Asian region are at risk of poliovirus importation until this outbreak is over. Central Asian countries include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, in addition to Tajikistan.

Recommendations for US Travelers to Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation

Polio is a disease that is most often spread through contact with the feces of an infected person. Poliovirus can also be spread through oral fluids, contaminated items, water, and uncooked food. The disease mainly affects children less than 5 years old, but unvaccinated people of any age are at risk. Signs and symptoms of the illness may include paralysis of limbs and respiratory muscles.

Travelers should take the following steps to protect themselves from polio:

Get vaccinated for polio

• Talk to your doctor to find out if you are up to date with your polio vaccination and whether you need a booster dose before traveling.
• Even if you were vaccinated as a child or have been sick with polio before, you may need a booster shot to make sure that you are protected. If you are traveling with children, be sure that they have been appropriately vaccinated, too.

Follow safe food and water practices

• Eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot.
• Eat and drink dairy products that have been pasteurized.
• Eat only fruits and vegetables that you can wash with safe water and peel yourself.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water or beverages that have been bottled and sealed (carbonated drinks or sports drinks). Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice.

Practice good hand hygiene

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Wash hands especially before eating, drinking or preparing food and after using the bathroom, and changing diapers and coughing or sneezing.