The Ministry of Health has confirmed the detection of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in an environmental sample from Koforidua, in the Eastern Region. This discovery was made during routine surveillance by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. The detection of the virus is being treated as a public health emergency, with swift actions being taken to contain its spread.
Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye stated that the virus was found in a sample collected on August 20 and confirmed as cVDPV2 on September 5. The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service have launched investigations to trace the source of the virus and assess the risk of further geographic spread.
Public health measures, including improved sanitation, handwashing, and proper waste disposal, have been emphasized to prevent the virus from spreading. Parents are also being urged to ensure their children complete their vaccination schedules to strengthen immunity against polio.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and working with local health authorities to safeguard public health, while field investigations and enhanced surveillance continue in the affected areas.