Polio is a disease that has been eradicated in many parts of the world, but it still poses a threat in some regions. There have been many cases of polio in the United States in the past, but how many cases are there now? In this article, we will explore the history of polio in the US and how it has been controlled.
The History of Polio in the US
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. The disease was first recognized as a distinct condition in the late 19th century, but it was not until the 20th century that it became a major public health issue in the United States.
The first major outbreak of polio in the US occurred in New York City in 1916. The outbreak resulted in more than 27,000 cases and 6,000 deaths. The severity of the outbreak led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which later became the March of Dimes.
Polio continued to be a major health concern in the US throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In 1952, there were more than 21,000 reported cases of polio in the US, resulting in 3,000 deaths and 21,269 cases of paralysis. The peak of the polio epidemic in the US was in 1952, but the disease continued to be a significant health issue until the creation of the polio vaccine in the late 1950s.
The Polio Vaccine
The polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk in the 1950s. The vaccine was first tested in 1952 and was found to be effective in preventing polio. The vaccine was first licensed for use in the US in 1955 and was widely distributed. The vaccine was instrumental in controlling the polio epidemic in the US and other countries.
The Polio Eradication Initiative
The polio vaccine has been available for over 60 years, and the disease has been eradicated in many parts of the world. The global effort to eradicate polio began in 1988 with the formation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The initiative is a partnership between governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Rotary International.
How Many Polio Cases in the US?
Polio Cases from 2000-2020
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been no reported cases of polio in the US since 1979. The last case of naturally occurring polio in the US was reported in 1979 in California.
There have been a few cases of polio reported in the US since 2000, but these cases are not considered to be naturally occurring. In 2005, there were four cases of polio reported in the US, but these cases were caused by a strain of the virus that was derived from the polio vaccine. The virus in the vaccine can mutate and cause illness in rare cases.
In addition to the vaccine-derived cases, there have been a few cases of polio reported in the US among travelers who were infected with the virus in other countries. These cases are not considered to be a threat to the general population in the US.
Global Polio Cases
Although polio has been eradicated in many parts of the world, it is still a significant health issue in some regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 140 reported cases of polio worldwide in 2020. The majority of these cases were reported in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Preventing Polio
The Polio Vaccine
The most effective way to prevent polio is to get vaccinated. The polio vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all children. The vaccine is given in a series of doses, and it is important to complete the series to ensure full protection against polio.
Good Hygiene Practices
Polio is spread through contact with contaminated fecal matter. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and cleaning surfaces, can help prevent the spread of the virus. It is also important to avoid contact with people who are infected with the virus.
Conclusion
Polio is a disease that has been controlled in the US thanks to the development of the polio vaccine and global efforts to eradicate the disease. While there have been a few cases of polio in the US since 2000, the risk of contracting the disease is low. Getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of polio.
Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to polio:
- What is polio? – Polio is a viral disease that affects the nervous system.
- What are the symptoms of polio? – The symptoms of polio can include fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, and paralysis.
- How is polio spread? – Polio is spread through contact with contaminated fecal matter.
- How can polio be prevented? – Polio can be prevented through vaccination and good hygiene practices.
- Is polio still a threat in the US? – There have been no reported cases of polio in the US since 1979, but there have been a few cases caused by the vaccine-derived virus and among travelers.
References
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Poliomyelitis (Polio) Vaccination. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/polio/index.html
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Polio Cases. https://www.cdc.gov/polio/updates/index.htm
– World Health Organization. (2021). Polio. https://www.who.int/health-topics/polio#tab=tab_1