Polio is a disease caused by the poliovirus that causes paralysis and be potentially life threatening. However, many people may never experience any symptoms and know they are carriers of the poliovirus. Luckily, the poliovirus has been eradicated from the US for many years according to the CDC. I am very thankful for the existence of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine and the oral poliovirus vaccine. Thanks to these vaccines, residents of the US won’t have to worry about the risk of contracting the life-threatening disease unless someone unvaccinated brings it into the country.
The IPV is the only polio vaccine that is being used since 2000 in the US. It it usually given in the leg or arm at ages 2 months, 4 months, between 6 and 18 months, and between 4 to 6 years old for a total of 4 doses. The OPV is no longer used because of the risk of polio-derived poliovirus form this method of vaccination. I believe with the current status seen in the US revolving the poliovirus, the world may soon be able to also be poliovirus as vaccinations become more widespread. However, with current anti-vaccination movements, it may be difficult because people are believing their false claims.
According to the Polio Global Eradication Initiative, there have been 12 cases of the WPV strain and 6 cases of the cVDPV strain this week. All 12 cases of the WPV strain come from Pakistan while the other 6 cases come from either Africa or the Philippines. Pakistan has been a hotspot for the poliovirus for the last few years but their government is working closely with the United Nations to reduce the number of cases. There have been no reported cases in countries with regular vaccinations such as European countries. Overall, I think the World Health Organizations are related groups are doing a great job eradicating the poliovirus and hopefully they will achieve this goal soon.
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