The New York State Department of Health and the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) reported this week that samples of the virus that causes polio had been identified in sewage, suggesting likely circulation of the pathogen — and that, to contain an outbreak of the disease, will intensify vaccination in the population.
The disease can lead to permanent paralysis of the arms and legs and even death in some cases.
In NY, the first case was detected in Rockland County on July 22. The region has a significantly low polio vaccination rate.
In London, 116 virus isolates were identified in 19 samples collected from the city’s sewers between February and July, according to the UKHSA.
Polio in New York
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there must be several more cases circulating in the community.
Researcher José Romero, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said most people with polio have no symptoms and therefore can spread the virus without knowing it.
“There are several individuals in the community who have been infected with poliovirus. They are spreading the virus,” she said.
According to the New York Department of Health, “Vaccine coverage for recommended immunizers has dropped among children in the city since 2019. About 86.2% of New York City children ages 6 months to 5 years received 3 doses of the vaccine. polio vaccine — nearly 14% remain not fully protected,” they said.
Now, the city’s health authorities have increased communication with professionals, emphasizing the administration of the vaccine against the disease among their patients. The recommendations are:
- All children should receive four doses of the polio vaccine, with the first dose given at six weeks to two months of age, followed by one dose given at four months of age, six to 18 months, and between four and six years of age;
- People who have not been vaccinated or are not sure whether they have been immunized should receive a total of three doses if they started being vaccinated after four years;
- Adults who have had only 1 or 2 doses of polio vaccine in the past should receive 1 or 2 additional doses—no matter how long it has been since the previous doses;
- Adults who are most at risk of poliovirus exposure and who have already completed a routine series of polio vaccine (IPV or OPV) should see a healthcare professional and receive a lifetime booster dose.
Polio in London
The last recorded case of poliomyelitis in the United Kingdom happened in 1984. However, samples of the virus were found in the sewage of eight clays in the capital.
To prevent transmission and London, and the population to have a level of protection against paralysis, the health agency recommends vaccination for all children between one and nine years.
“It is important that all children aged 1 to 9 years — even if they are current on their vaccinations — receive the booster dose when offered to further strengthen their protection against poliovirus,” they wrote.
According to Vanessa Saliba, Epidemiologist Consultant at the UK Health Agency, to date, “no cases of polio have been reported and for the majority of the population, who are fully vaccinated, the risk is low”.
However, Vanessa points out that “the areas of London where poliovirus is being transmitted have some of the lowest vaccination rates. This is why the pathogen is spreading in these communities and putting unvaccinated residents at greater risk.”
about polio
Poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) is an acute, contagious disease caused by a virus that can infect children and adults. The disease has no cure and vaccination is the only form of prevention. All children under five must be vaccinated.
About one in four infected people experience flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache and stomach pain.
Up to one in 200 will develop more serious symptoms that include tingling and numbness in the legs, infection of the brain or spinal cord, and paralysis.
Source: CNN Brasil
