Press Release - Diagnosis of Polio in Deir-Ez-Zor Governorate

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SYRIA - Confirmation of Polio Outbreak in Deir-Ez-Zor Governorate
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Several reports were received from District Level Officers (DLOs) of the ACU-run
Early Warning and Response Network (E-WARN), which covers the Syrian opposition-controlled
areas, identifying several of cases of suspected Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) in
the Deir-Ez-Zor governorate. AFP is a common indicator of acute polio, though it
may also be associated with a number of other pathogenic agents.

Based on the field outbreak investigation mission, the ACU Rapid Response Teams
(RRTs) have verified that of the 22 reported cases, all were children below 5 years
of age with symptoms consistent with the standard case definition of AFP. The cases
were distributed in several areas in Deir-Ez-Zor, and in the town of Sbeikhan in
particular. In order to confirm the causal agent, stools specimens were collected
and shipped to a WHO-compliant laboratory in Turkey, with facilitation from the
Turkish government authorities. One of the specimens tested positive for the wild
poliovirus. The Health Department of the ACU is currently engaged in developing
an urgent response plan concentrating on organizing an immediate mass vaccination
campaign and other appropriate prevention and control measures, in collaboration
with corresponding Turkish authorities, UN agencies, donors, and local institutions.

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus which invades the nervous
system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours, mainly affecting children
under 5 years of age. The infection transmits through contaminated stool which carries
the virus. Transmission rates are significantly higher in contaminated environments,
and in the absence of sufficient personal hygiene. Symptoms only appear in 1 out
of 10 infected people. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting,
stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible
paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralyzed, 5% to 10% die from the immobilization
of their breathing muscles.

There is no cure for polio, but infection can be prevented. Polio vaccines, given
in successive intervals, can protect an individual for life. In addition, ensuring
safe drinking water, environmental hygiene and promotion of personal hygienic practices
like frequent hand washing, can also limit the spread of the virus.
for more information please contact: info@acu-sy.org