The virus is spreading to several continents, including Europe.
Edited by the publisher
LNew York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday declared a state of emergency to contain a polio epidemic. She hopes this will free up enough resources to vaccinate more people against this virus.
Polio was detected in July in wastewater samples from Rockland County, New York. In mid-August, the virus was also discovered in New York. Traces have since also been found in Orange and Sullivan wastewater.
New York State health services say not enough people are being vaccinated against the disease. By declaring a state of emergency, the governor hopes that more people will be vaccinated and that it will also be possible for health professionals, pharmacists and midwives to administer the serum.
The virus is believed to be spreading globally as well. Cases have been reported in the Jerusalem area while traces of the virus have been found in London’s sewage.
Polio, an incurable disease, can lead to paralysis but can be easily prevented with the vaccine. In Belgium, vaccination against polio is compulsory.
