Health authorities urge parents to ensure full vaccination and intensify border surveillance to prevent virus spread

The Department of Disease Control has confirmed that Thailand has not detected any cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) following reports of an outbreak in Savannakhet Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Epidemiological investigations in Laos identified the mutated vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV1) in stool samples from two asymptomatic children in Savannakhet on October 7, 2025. Previously, a confirmed case of cVDPV1 polio was reported in the same area in August 2025, indicating continued transmission of the virus.

According to official reports, the outbreak began in August 2025 when a child with limb weakness tested positive for VDPV1. Subsequent testing found the same strain in two additional asymptomatic children. The findings suggest ongoing local transmission and a potential risk of cross-border spread to Thailand, particularly in border regions with low vaccination coverage.

Poliovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause inflammation of the spinal cord, leading to muscle paralysis, lifelong disability, or death. It spreads through contaminated food or water, and while there is no cure, the disease is entirely preventable through vaccination.

Under Thailand’s National Immunization Program, children receive two doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) at 2 and 4 months, followed by three doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) at 6 months, 18 months, and 4 years. Combination vaccines are available under pediatric guidance. The goal is to maintain at least 90% vaccination coverage through routine and supplementary immunization.

To prevent the importation of the virus, Thailand has strengthened disease control measures including:

   - Enhanced surveillance in border areas

   - Health screening for travelers at border checkpoints between Thailand and Lao PDR

   - Expanded immunization campaigns to increase protection among children

Supplementary vaccination has been launched for:

   - Thai children aged 1–5 years

   - Foreign children under 15 years
in high-risk provinces such as Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Phanom.

Those traveling to Laos are advised to stay informed about the outbreak situation and consider receiving a booster polio vaccine before departure, especially if vaccination history is incomplete or unknown.

The Department confirmed that no polio cases have been detected in Thailand and that strict surveillance, prevention, and control measures remain ongoing nationwide. Parents are urged to ensure children are fully vaccinated, practice regular handwashing with soap and clean water, and eat properly cooked food and safe drinking water to protect against infection.

 

Source:

www.thaihealth.or.th