Malawi declares polio outbreak a public health emergency

Government has declared polio outbreak as a public health emergency following a confirmed case in Lilongwe.

According to the ministry of health, laboratory results show that it is an imported virus as there is no evidence of community circulation on the virus.

Announcing the emergency minister of health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said polio is dangerous as it causes paralysis within hours and infectious

Kandodo Chiponda said World Health Organisation officials will come to Malawi to assess the situation

She said Malawi was declared polio free in 2005 and the last case was reported in 1992

The health minister adds that the situation is under control but encourages public to observe hygienic practices

“The ministry has in place independent national polio expert committees which oversee and coordinate surveillance and reporting system,”  Chiponda

She said there will be emergency operations committee meetings and working closely with neighbouring countries to contain the outbreak