The Ministry of Health has reported the detection of a circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in an environmental sample collected from Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital.

This finding emerged from routine surveillance conducted by the Polio Laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, September 17, Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye confirmed that the sample, taken on August 20, was identified as cVDPV2 on September 5.

Dr Okoe-Boye has described this discovery as a “public health emergency” and emphasized the urgency of taking immediate action to prevent the virus from spreading further.

In response, the Ministry of Health, working with the Ghana Health Service, has initiated field investigations to trace the virus’s source and assess the risk of it spreading geographically, including to human populations. Enhanced surveillance measures have also been implemented for closer monitoring.

The public is advised to adopt precautionary measures such as improved hand washing, proper sanitation, and the safe disposal of faeces.

Additionally, parents are urged to ensure their children complete their vaccination schedules to strengthen their immunity against the virus.