Nigeria
reports first polio cases in two years: WHO
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[August 12, 2016]
GENEVA (Reuters) - Nigeria has
reported that two children in Borno state have been paralyzed by polio,
the first cases of the disease in the country in two years, the World
Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
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Nigeria and the U.N. agency are conducting immunization campaigns
and strengthening surveillance systems that help catch the virus
early, the WHO said in a statement on the latest setback to its
global program to eradicate polio.
"The overriding priority now is to rapidly immunise all children
around the affected area and ensure that no other children succumb
to this terrible disease," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional
Director for Africa.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have also reported polio this year, with 21
cases to date, WHO said.
(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; editing by Andrew Roche)
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