The Ministry of Health has announced the detection of a circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in an environmental sample collected in Koforidua, Eastern Region.
In a press statement signed by Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, the sector minister, it was revealed that the Polio Laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research identified the virus in a sample collected on August 20, with confirmation of cVDPV2 received on September 5.
“This detection of environmental polio constitutes a public health emergency,” the release stated.
In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has initiated field investigations to trace the possible source of the infection and assess the risk of further geographic spread, including to humans. Enhanced surveillance measures are also being implemented to monitor the situation closely.
The ministry urges the public to take precautionary measures, including improved handwashing, proper sanitation practices, and the safe disposal of feces.
