New York state health officials found additional cases in two different counties of wastewater, prompting them to warn that the virus could infect hundreds of people.
The New York Health Department published the nation’s health statistics just two weeks ago. First case of Polio in almost a decade, in Rockland County, north of New York City. Officials stated that the case was in an unvaccinated young adult, who had paralysis in both legs and was otherwise healthy. Three positive samples of wastewater from Rockland County and four others from Orange County have been found. They were genetically linked to the original case, according to the health department in a press statement on Thursday. It is possible that the poliovirus has spread to local communities. Two samples from Orange County were collected in June and July, and one sample was taken in Rockland County during July.
According to Dr. Mary T. Bassett, State Health Commissioner, New York, “Based on previous polio outbreaks,” New Yorkers need to know that for every paralytic polio case, there could be hundreds more. The Department considers the one case of polio, which was a result of an investigation into wastewater contamination, to be a small part of a larger potential spread. We are learning more about the dangers of polio in New York.
The health department reiterated its belief that the virus is still being investigated and stated that Rockland County’s infected person is not connected to any other cases.
According to the state health department, polio is a “serious and life-threatening illness.” It can be transmitted by others, even those who aren’t yet symptomatic. Symptoms can appear in as little as 30 days after infection. Some people may not be able to recognize symptoms. Get paralyzed and die.
Before the introduction in 1950s of the polio vaccine, thousands of Americans were killed in polio epidemics. Thousands more, including children, suffered paralysis. After a successful vaccination campaign, the U.S. declared polio eradicated in 1979.
The health department advised that New Yorkers who are not vaccinated should get it done immediately. People who live, work, visit, or are a part of the greater New York metropolitan region and are not vaccinated are most at risk.
The four-dose course of polio vaccine has been received by most school-age children. It is a four-dose regimen that starts between 6 and 2 months old. Followed by one shot at 4 to 6 months, one at 6-12 months, and one at 6 to 6 months. Finally, there’s one shot at 4 to 6 months. According to the health department, about 60% of children in Rockland County have received three polio shots before their second birthday, as have about 59% in Orange County — both below the 79% statewide figure.
According to the CDC, approximately 93% of American 2-year-olds had received at minimum three doses of polio vaccine.
According to the health department, those adults who have not been vaccinated will receive a three-dose shot. Those who are high-risk can get a lifetime booster shot.
Health officials claim that the vaccine is 99 percent effective when administered in full four doses.
Dr. Irina Gelman, Orange County Health Commissioner said that it was concerning to see polio, which has been nearly eradicated through vaccinations, still spreading in the community. This is especially because of low vaccination rates in certain areas. I urge all Orange County residents who are not vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
Rockland County Department of Health Commissioner Patricia Schnabel Ruppert issued an identical statement, urging people who have not been vaccinated “immediately.”
Since it was declared extinct over 40 years back, polio has been rare in the U.S. A traveler brought the last case. 2013According to The Associated Press
Source: CBS News
