Polio: First Case in New York since 2013

What is polio?

Polio is a deadly virus which has been said to be eradicated from the United States since 1979. However, the newest case of polio has recently reappeared in New York during 2022 leading to a rise in fear for many individuals. Polio is a virus and is spread through the contamination of food and water. Furthermore, it can be transmitted through infected people and this may lead to further damage or new outbreaks. Some people do not experience many symptoms and feel rather normal after transmission. But, it is key to note that a plethora of other individuals have been paralyzed and for some it was even fatal.

How does its vaccine function?

Considering the effects of polio, it is crucial for one to understand that this virus does not have a specific cure to it, rather there has been a vaccine created to prevent it. Due to this, those who have been infected cannot find a specific treatment which guarantees recovery. Scientists had instead prioritized creating a vaccine, and it was released in 1955 by Dr. Salk. There are two types of vaccines that were invented: live attenuated and inactivated. The live attenuated form includes a type of the virus which has been drastically weakened. This vaccine is to be taken orally. Meanwhile, the inactivated vaccine is taken through the use of an injection, and it contains a deceased form of polio.

Is polio a rising concern?

For many people, polio is a large concern as they have either not been fully vaccinated or they have not taken the more effective vaccine. This means that if an individual were to intake the live attenuated vaccine then they would have a greater possibility of getting the poliovirus. In fact, the person who has recently been transmitted this virus was because of coming in contact with someone with the live oral vaccine. Seeing the results that have risen from the live attenuated form proves its decreasing reliability.

Receiving the inactive vaccine, however, allows this chance to become much more slim. It is said that injecting 2 doses has a 90% chance of success, and 4 doses has a 99-100% success rate. Such results prove the effectiveness of this inactive version, and it can decrease the concern for such people. It is vital to realize that this may aid a myriad of people as it may eliminate the concern of the worrisome effects of the poliovirus.

We believe that polio should not be too much of a concern for those of you that are vaccinated with a few doses of the inactive vaccine as its chances of transmission is much less likely. But, those who are either not vaccinated or have not obtained the recommended amount of doses should take the extra step and consider getting this vaccine or stay more cautious. Having everyone take the extra step to prevent further transmission of this virus would allow society to come together and work towards alleviating more current issues.