Kwara State in Nigeria recently confirmed two cases of circulating variant poliovirus (cVDPV). This strain of poliovirus is not from wild polio but rather derived from the oral polio vaccine, which can mutate and circulate in under-immunized communities.
When children are vaccinated with the oral polio vaccine, the weakened virus in the vaccine can replicate in their intestines and spread to others through poor sanitation or hygiene practices. In well-immunized communities, this spread is generally harmless. However, in areas with low immunization rates, the virus can circulate and mutate, regaining some strength and becoming cVDPV, capable of causing paralysis.
The government and health organizations often respond with targeted vaccination campaigns to prevent further transmission.
