Covid Foot Was a Stretch. But Polio? That's Scary

The dream of eradicating polio has not been met; instead, there is a resurgence, even in developed countries like the US. The first reported case to originate in the US since 1979 was reported in New York State last week.

Polio Refresher

Poliomyelitis, commonly known as or polio, is a disease caused by viral destruction of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and brain stem motor nuclei. Cases can be divided into three types: abortive polio, non-paralytic polio, and paralytic polio. The first signs of paralytic polio, after an initial period of viral-like symptoms, typically begin with loss of superficial reflexes and muscle pain or spasms. Paralysis, usually asymmetric, follows. Fewer than 1%-2% of people who contract polio become paralyzed. There is no treatment for Polio beyond supportive therapy. It is estimated that there are 300,000 people polio survivors in the US.

Vaccinate our Children

Polio is a highly infectious illness that spreads through contact between people. Polio can be prevented with vaccine. Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), given IM or SC, is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the US since 2000. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is used in other countries.