Refugee Health Program

On Monday, October 16, 2006 a case of polio was reported in a refugee child from the Dadaab camps in Kenya. Other refugees from the same camp were destined to be resettled in Texas, Washington, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania on October 16. However, it is currently unknown if refugees from the same region who were resettled prior to October 16 were also exposed. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively involved in this case and is making recommendations for
refugees who have arrived from the Nairobi transit center in Kenya.

The RI Refugee Health Program will identify any refugees resettled in Rhode Island from that region since September 1, 2006 and work with their resettlement agency and medical providers to ensure vaccination and active surveillance. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Bridges, Refugee Health Coordinator, at 401-222-4872 or Carrie.Bridges@health.ri.gov.

Below are informational sheets about polio and handwashing as well as draft Interim Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hand Washing Guidelines

CDC Interim Recommendations

Vaccine Information Statement

Tallaalka Cudurka Polio