An outbreak of wild polio virus began two years after the onset of the civil war in Syria and subsequently spread to Iraq, causing a total of 38 cases (36 in Syria). Factors leading to the outbreak included a decline in polio surveillance and in polio vaccination coverage (from 83% for 3 doses of oral polio vaccine pre-war in Syria to 47-52%).
Full Citation:
Mbaeyi C, Ryan MJ, Smith P et al.. 2017. Response to a large polio outbreak in a setting of conflict- Middle East, 2013-2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 66(8).
Title of Article: Response to a large polio outbreak in a setting of conflict- Middle East, 2013-2015
Author(s): Mbaeyi C, Ryan MJ, Smith P et al.
Publication Year: 2017
Publication Name: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Publication Volume: 66(8)
Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28253229/
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.15585/mmwr.mm6608a6
Topics: Conflict & Humanitarian Emergencies | Global Issues
Disease Vaccines: Polio/OPV/IPV
Immunization Terms: Outbreaks
Countries: Syrian Arab Republic
WHO Regions: Eastern Mediterranean