ABVC Disease Alert Issue No. 16 | Vaccine-derived Poliomyelitis in Vietnam

On October 19, 2024, the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported a case of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) associated with vaccine-derived poliovirus type-3 (VDPV3), involving a 10-monthold male, residing in Ea Kiet commune, Cu M’gar district, Dak Lak province. On September 29 the patient developed a high fever at home, lasting for two consecutive days. Following the fever, the patient experienced weakness in the lower limbs and was unable to stand. On October 3, the family took the patient to Central Highlands General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with quadriplegia and transverse myelitis, with Guillain-Barré syndrome not ruled out. After consultations, the patient was referred to Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City for further treatment. However, due to financial constraints, the family opted to bring the patient home for monitoring. On October 18, the patient tested positive for Poliovirus Sabin-Like 3 discordant. Currently, the patient still has weakness in both lower limbs and is undergoing isolation and treatment at Cu M'gar District Medical Center.