This 2014 illustration made obtainable by the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention depicts a polio virus particle.
Sarah Poser, Meredith Boyter Newlove/CDC by way of AP
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Sarah Poser, Meredith Boyter Newlove/CDC by way of AP
This 2014 illustration made obtainable by the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention depicts a polio virus particle.
Sarah Poser, Meredith Boyter Newlove/CDC by way of AP
Well being officers in New York Metropolis introduced Friday that poliovirus, the virus that causes paralytic polio, was detected in sewage “suggesting probably native circulation of the virus.”
Polio is a extremely infectious viral illness that may result in everlasting paralysis of the legs and arms and even loss of life in some instances.
This newest discovering comes simply weeks after officers introduced {that a} case of paralytic polio had been detected in a Rockland County, N.Y., resident. There have additionally been related detections of the virus in wastewater samples collected in Could, June and July from counties neighboring New York Metropolis, together with Orange County. Each Rockland and Orange counties have decrease childhood vaccination charges.
What are well being officers saying about this newest findings?
These findings are alarming — however not stunning, well being officers in New York mentioned.
“For each one case of paralytic polio recognized, a whole bunch extra could also be undetected,” State Well being Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett mentioned in an announcement.
Bassett mentioned the State Well being Division, working with native and federal companions, “is responding urgently, persevering with case investigation and aggressively assessing unfold. The easiest way to maintain adults and youngsters polio-free is thru secure and efficient immunization – New Yorkers’ best safety towards the worst outcomes of polio, together with everlasting paralysis and even loss of life.”
What must be finished to remain secure?
Briefly: Get vaccinated.
“The chance to New Yorkers is actual however the protection is so easy – get vaccinated towards polio,” New York Metropolis Well being Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan mentioned.
“With polio circulating in our communities there’s merely nothing extra important than vaccinating our youngsters to guard them from this virus, and for those who’re an unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated grownup, please select now to get the vaccine,” Vasan mentioned. “Polio is totally preventable and its reappearance must be a name to motion for all of us.”
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention says the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), is the one polio immunization that has been given within the U.S. since 2000. It protects 99% of kids who get all 4 beneficial doses.
An toddler receives a routine vaccination at First Georgia Doctor Group Pediatrics in Fayetteville, Ga., on Aug. 17, 2021.
Angie Wang/AP
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Angie Wang/AP
An toddler receives a routine vaccination at First Georgia Doctor Group Pediatrics in Fayetteville, Ga., on Aug. 17, 2021.
Angie Wang/AP
However wait, I am an grownup and I did not get all my photographs. What ought to I do?
Most adults who acquired vaccines as youngsters acquired their IPV photographs. The CDC says adults who’re at increased danger for publicity to polio even after getting their vaccines can get one lifetime IPV booster. For people who didn’t get their correct vaccines, the CDC says adults ought to get their IPV doses.
For those who’re uncertain about your vaccination historical past, Immunize.org has some tips about tips on how to observe down this important data.