At one time in America, poliomyelitis, or simply polio was a terrifying word for families that turned lives upside down. It was the mid-20th century’s bane that brought about paralysis with fatal consequences.
In fact, through remarkable public health campaigns and vaccines, the US managed to eliminate polio forever. One more time, let us remember how we conquered this disease within our borderlines including the aftermath of what has taken place after that point in time, urging that these movements continue to need our attention.
1. A Disease that affects kids
Polio is a disease that primarily affects kids younger than five years old. The virus is spread through the feces of an infected person, mainly by the intake of food and water contaminated with it and through other means. Most of the infected people do not show any symptoms of such infection at all; however, some may develop symptoms that look like mere common minor illnesses that appear somewhat flu-like.
The results in paralysis, muscle weakness, and sometimes even fatalities occur in only a minute number of instances in which the virus has managed to penetrate the central nervous system.
Polio terrorized the nation from the first part of the twentieth century. The virus often gained momentum through the summer, which would then start to create a horrific feeling. Parents would worry about taking their children to playgrounds or swimming pools.
Newspaper accounts of epidemics, along with photographs of children encased in iron lungs that enabled them to breathe - disabled patients were not soon forgotten and they became the symbol of the disease's tragic consequences.
2. The Polio Vaccine Arrives
The Polio Vaccine Arrives After the turning point that occurred in the 1950s through the development of the two vaccines for polio, a new era was heralded in the fight against this disease.
An injectable non-living virus vaccine known as IPV was created by Jonas Salk while on the other hand Albert Sabin came up with OPV which was much easier to administer using drops. The introduction of Salk’s vaccine coat in 1955 prompted the nation into starting a comprehensive immunization campaign.
Immediately children began to be provided with their shots, the prevalence of polio within the country plummeted, and the total eradication was reached.
3. Problems and Success
There were challenges on the path to eradication. There have been rare instances of vaccine-derived cases of polio on a couple of occasions that highlighted the need for careful surveillance. Then, also the need for continued high rates of immunization was critical. The virus can continue to circulate in populations of under-immunized individuals, causing the disease's reintroduction.
Public health officials addressed these with education campaigns and increasing access to vaccines. The objective was to ensure that all children received the proper immunizations. This relentless drive, combined with a thorough rate of vaccination, led to the last confirmed spread of wild polio in the United States way back in 1979.
The World Health Organization then declared the United States free of polio in 1994. A considerable portion of this success in the elimination of this disease was down to the fact that the United States itself emerged as a polio-free nation, both at home and around the globe.
4. Conclusion
Polio may have vanquished polio in the United States, but the war against the virus is very much alive.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are two countries where the virus is still highly prevalent. The virus can be carried by travelers from these places and brought into the country. Also, the vaccine break in immunity due to discontinuation of a vaccine program in a region can make it the sitting duck with an immunosuppressed status.
High levels of polio immunization are, therefore, essential for ongoing protection. Four doses of polio vaccine are recommended by the CDC for children by age six. Unvaccinated or unsure adults should consult with a medical provider.
