déjà vu —
With new detection, officials warn of spring and summer transmission dangers.
Beth Mole
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Health officials in New York have as soon as once more detected poliovirus in wastewater from Rockland County, the place a case of paralytic polio occurred final summer.
Wastewater samples from Rockland and several other close by counties had been optimistic for poliovirus for months after the preliminary case was reported in July, suggesting widespread circulation of the virus within the area.
So far this yr, officials have solely detected poliovirus in a single pattern, which was collected from Rockland in February. Two samples from the county taken throughout March had been detrimental. Before the detection in February, the final optimistic pattern from the area was present in mid-December in Orange County, simply north of Rockland. The final optimistic detection in Rockland was in October.
While the info does not imply that poliovirus is once more circulating extensively within the area, well being officials are cautious that the virus might simply restart. Rockland has one of the decrease vaccination charges within the state; as of August, solely 60.34 p.c of 2-year-olds within the county had been updated on their polio vaccinations. Some areas of the county have charges within the 50s.
Officials are involved concerning the potential for worldwide unfold of polio to Rockland’s sizable Jewish group throughout upcoming vacation journey.
“With increased travel expected between Rockland County and Israel over Passover, the County of Rockland reminds families there is a real risk of paralysis from the polio virus if you are unvaccinated,” Rockland County officials mentioned in a press launch.
Israel’s Ministry of Health has not too long ago reported 4 polio instances in kids within the northern half of the nation. One of the instances was paralytic. The pressure of poliovirus behind the paralytic case in Rockland final summer was linked to viruses spreading in London and Israel on the time.
In addition, Rockland officials famous that we’re heading towards summer, when polio transmission traditionally peaks.
“Polio is preventable through the complete vaccination series. Our hope is that we will not see another case of paralytic polio as we did last summer. I urge all who are unvaccinated or are under-vaccinated to complete their series. This is important locally as well as for travelers,” Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, Rockland’s well being commissioner, mentioned.
Officials proceed pushing for vaccination in elements of the county the place anti-vaccine sentiments are excessive. They’re providing free polio boosters at walk-in clinics, working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to audit vaccination protection at day care and colleges, and attempting to enhance vaccination messaging.
“It is our obligation to protect all our residents from these debilitating and potentially fatal diseases. The law requiring childhood vaccinations has been in place for many years for this very reason,” County Executive Ed Day mentioned. “I urge our residents to act now and protect yourselves, your family, and your community.”
In addition to combating again polio amid poor vaccination charges, Rockland has additionally discovered itself combating measles. In 2019, the county confronted a protracted outbreak that led to an emergency declaration.
…. to be continued
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