The confirmation of about thirteen cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) has created
waves of tension in the Syrian Arab Republic. Similar strains have also been identified in
environmental samples across countries like Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip since February
2013.

A large scale response to the outbreak will continue in the Syrian Arab Republic and
neighbouring countries for at least 6-8 months depending on the geography and other
factors.

Frequent population migration across the region and the extent of immunization in the
primary areas has added to the risk of further outbreak of WPV1 at an international level
across the region. Also, the region has been subjected to a surveillance alert has to facilitate
effective search for additional potential cases.

World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health emphasized that all travellers
commuting to and from these polio-inflicted areas be sufficiently vaccinated.