New York Governor Cathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency after the polio virus was found in sewage samples collected in the city.
State of emergency declared in New York over polio. (Photo: Representative)
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- A state of emergency has been declared in New York over the presence of polio virus in sewage.
- The state wants to boost vaccination efforts against polio.
- The state of emergency is likely to be lifted on October 9.
A state of emergency has been declared in New York after polio cases resurfaced. New York Governor Cathy Hochul issued an emergency order to speed up the state’s polio vaccination efforts.
The state was alerted to polio cases after sewage samples in New York City tested positive for poliovirus.
Poliovirus can cause paralysis and can be potentially fatal, resulting in death in some cases. It largely affects children and can be cured only with the help of a vaccine.
Though only one case has been reported so far, the state does not want a nostalgic approach as this was the first case in the country in nearly a decade.
The state began monitoring wastewater for polio virus after an illiterate citizen contracted the virus in July and suffered paralysis. It was the first registered case of polio in nine years, Reuters reported.
“On polio, we can’t just roll the dice,” said Health Commissioner Mary Bassett. “If you or your child is vaccinated or not up to date, the risk of paralytic disease is real. I urge New Yorkers not to accept any risk,” Bloomberg reported.
The United States had completely eradicated polio by 1979 and was declared polio-free. The state of emergency will reportedly be lifted on 9 October as officials are trying to get a vaccine to about 90% of the population, the BBC reports.
Read also | Medical experts allay fears of polio resurgence in Kolkata
(With inputs from BBC, Reuters and Bloomberg)
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