Following the Identification of a Paralytic Polio Case in Rockland County, More Virus Found in Environmental Samples in Rockland and Orange Counties – Evidence of Local Transmission
To Keep New Yorkers and Children Polio-Free, Unvaccinated New Yorkers Should Get Immunized Right Away
Albany, NY (August 4, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today updated New Yorkers about polio in New York State. This may interest you : A ‘mental health overhaul’ for Cal State Long Beach. After the discovery of polio in early June wastewater samples in Rockland County, the virus has now been detected in wastewater from June and July in two separate locations in Orange County and in July samples from Rockland County.
An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that seven positive samples from Rockland County (three) and Orange County (four) were physically linked to a previously diagnosed polio case in Rockland County residence. This study provides additional evidence of local—not global—transmission of polio that can cause paralysis and potential community spread, highlighting the urgency of vaccinating every adult and child in New York, especially those located in the capital city of New York. NYSDOH will continue its active, ongoing drinking water surveillance efforts in partnership with the CDC.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Based on past polio outbreaks, New Yorkers should be aware that for every person diagnosed with polio, there may be hundreds more other people who are infected.” The ministry considers a single case of polio to be just the tip of the iceberg of potential spread. As we learn more, what we know is clear: the danger of polio is present in New York today. this time. by making sure that adults, including pregnant women, and infants as young as 2 months old are up to date on their immunizations — the safe protection against this deadly virus that every New Yorker needs.”
New Yorkers should be aware that the new environmental analysis does not indicate that the person found in Rockland County is the source of the outbreak, and that the investigation into the source of the outbreak is ongoing. NYSDOH continues to work with international, national, and local public health agencies to determine the spread of the virus and ensure preventive measures, especially preventive clinics, – as the best way to eliminate New York’s polio epidemic continues to grow. prevention across the population through vaccination.
All New Yorkers who have not been vaccinated, including children 2 years of age and younger, pregnant women, and people who have not previously completed the polio vaccination series should be vaccinated immediately. Unvaccinated New Yorkers who live, work, go to school, or visit Rockland County, Orange County, and the greater New York area are at risk of exposure.
As part of CDC’s NYSDOH guidelines for all school-age children, most children are already immunized. New Yorkers who are unsure of their vaccination status, or that of a loved one, should contact a health care provider immediately to get vaccinated or receive a booster. As of August 1, 2022, Rockland County had a polio vaccination rate of 60.34 percent and Orange County had a polio vaccination rate of 58.68 percent, compared to a statewide average of 78.96 percent. , among children who received 3 polio vaccines before their second birthday. .*
“This unprecedented polio epidemic in our nation since a deadly disease that was eradicated from the United States in 1979 must be stopped. All children and adults who have not been vaccinated against polio.” The Rockland County Health Department is here to help residents. Get vaccinated. Visit our website for more information,” said the Health Department Commissioner. by Rockland County Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
“The thing about polio, it is a disease that was eradicated by vaccination, is now spreading in our society, especially considering the lack of vaccination against this disease which complicates the situation in some areas. regions of our district,” said the health commissioner of Orange County, Dr. Irina. Gelman said. “I urge all Orange County residents not to be vaccinated as soon as treatment is available.”
While there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented through effective and safe immunization. According to the CDC, the polio vaccine (IPV), which has been the only polio vaccine offered in the United States since 2000, protects 99% of children who receive all recommended doses.
NYSDOH has increased communication to health care providers, emphasizing the importance of testing and administering the polio vaccine to their patients. According to the CDC:
Polio is a very serious and dangerous disease. Person-to-person transmission, polio is highly contagious, and a person can spread the virus even if they are not sick. Asymptomatic transmission is a major concern among health officials, especially following the discovery of a paralyzed, symptomatic person with polio. Based on evidence of previous polio outbreaks, health officials estimate that for every person diagnosed with polio, there are likely to be hundreds of other people infected with the disease.
Symptoms of polio, which can be mild and flu-like, can take up to 30 days to appear, during which time an infected person can spread the disease to others. Some cases of polio can cause paralysis or death. According to the WHO, of those who are paralyzed, 5-10% die when their respiratory muscles stop moving.
NYSDOH also mobilized community groups in the affected areas to collaborate on awareness, dissemination of knowledge about the virus, safety, the protective nature of effective vaccination, and the severity of the current situation.
New Yorkers can learn more about polio and polio prevention here.
District polio vaccination rates are available here.
About New York State Polio Vaccination Rates
*Based on data calculated as of August 1, 2022 from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), polio immunization rates include all New York counties, excluding New York City. Fees are calculated based on records of children who have received 3 polio vaccines before their second birthday, report residency as New York State, provide their New York State area, and have at least one immunization or they have Newstate New. York State birth records. Effective January 8, 2008, all health care providers in New York State are required to report all vaccinations administered to persons under the age of 19, along with their immunization history, to the NYSDOH by use NYSIIS. New York City maintains its own COVID-19 prevention data through the City Registry (CIR).
