It can cause deformities and paralysis, and mainly affects children under five years old.

In some remote villages in PNG polio vaccination rates are thought to be as low as 7 per cent. Source: AAP / Brendan Esposito

The virus was detected in wastewater and environmental samples in the Pacific nation’s capital Port Moresby and second-largest city Lae, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The health agency “expresses deep concern over the confirmed outbreak”, she said.

He suggested that health authorities partner with reliable organizations like churches and women’s groups to distribute hygiene kits and encourage the setup of hand hygiene stations at places such as schools, markets, and healthcare facilities.

Tracing PNG’s polio outbreak

Papua New Guinea health minister Elias Kapavore said the situation was “serious but manageable”.

“Vaccination is safe and effective, and we’re acting quickly to keep children protected.”

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