Resurgence of Polio and Global Detection
Polio has resurfaced globally, with both wild poliovirus (WPV) and vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) being detected in environmental samples and some human cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported poliovirus detection in wastewater systems across multiple countries, including Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the UK.
In countries like Pakistan, Cameroon, and Nigeria, active cases of WPV and cVDPV2 have been identified, raising concerns over potential outbreaks.
Importance of Vaccination and Surveillance
WHO stresses the continued importance of vaccination and robust surveillance systems to prevent poliovirus from spreading further.
Immunizing vulnerable children is key to stopping the virus, which can cause lifelong paralysis or death.
Despite high immunization rates (85–95%) in these regions, pockets of undervaccination remain, highlighting the risk of resurgence.
The WHO is working with national authorities to identify immunity gaps and strengthen immunization coverage.
Vaccine Debate: OPV vs IPV
The use of the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is a live-attenuated vaccine, has been effective in controlling polio but has a downside: it can lead to vaccine-derived poliovirus infections.
A recent study suggests that polio may be transmitted through the respiratory route, not just the faecal-oral route, challenging the long-held belief about the primary mode of transmission.
The study argue for a shift to the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which is non-transmissible and safer for global eradication efforts.
IPV is key to preventing both wild and vaccine-derived polioviruses, especially in areas where respiratory transmission is more common.
The authors of the study argue that the exclusive reliance on OPV for polio eradication is misguided and could slow down progress.
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