Polio Can Be Prevented By Vaccination
On World Polio Day, which is traditionally celebrated on October 24, the National Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health (NVSC) reminds that the most effective means of protection against polio is vaccination. Although Lithuania has been declared polio-free since 2001, there is still a risk of the disease being imported into the country.
According to data from the World Health Organization, cases of poliomyelitis are being detected in Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Israel. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio still remains endemic, nevertheless polio cases are also reported in Africa (Malawi, Mozambique). In the last 12 months, polio cases have been reported in some countries that were already considered polio-free: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. This shows that insufficient polio immunization coverage cannot fully protect against this severe disease. As long as the virus still exists somewhere in the world, it can spread anywhere.
What is polio?
Poliomyelitis is an acute viral infection, typically characterized by a two-wave course and acute flaccid muscle paralysis.
How is polio transmitted?
The virus is transmitted by person-to-person contact mainly through the faecal-oral route. One can get infected through contaminated food, water, dirty hands.
Polio immunization coverage is insufficient in Lithuania
NVSC specialists stress the importance of vaccinating children on time in accordance with the National Immunization Schedule for Children. If the child was not vaccinated on time, the doctor can draw up an individual vaccination plan and "catch up" with the vaccination scheduled.
According to NVSC data, in 2021, polio immunization coverage among 1-year-olds decreased and was 90.05 % compared to 91.35 % in 2020. It is recommended that at least 95% of the population should be vaccinated against polio.
Testing and vaccination is free of charge
We remind that in case of suspected enterovirus infection, meningoencephalitis of unknown origin, acute flaccid paralysis or poliomyelitis, specimens are taken to identify the poliomyelitis virus, which are sent to the National Public Health Laboratory or its department.
NVSC specialists remind that polio vaccine for children is free. Laboratory test for detection of polio virus is free as well.
Last updated: 02-12-2022
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