Thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the cases of polio have decreased by more than 99%, notes the World Health Organization (WHO), however, spread of wild poliovirus sill remain a threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the news, polio is back again, with another country joining the link - Nigeria. Both Pakistan and Nigeria reported three new cases of polio as per the GPEI. Polio Cases In PakistanThree cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is reported in Sindh. The case also had first experienced paralysis in August. So far, Pakistan has reported a total of 29 polio cases this year, confirmed the National Institute of Health (NIH). Two of the bases have been reported in Singh's Badin and Thatta district, as confirmed by a press release. In an effort to curb down the numbers, the release said that a sub-national polio vaccination campaign was also conducted across 88 districts of the country, which also included Badin and Thatta. Polio Cases In NigeriaNigeria also reported three circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) this week from Borno, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. The cases from May and July also reported in paralysis. This year, Nigeria reported a total of 35 cases. Nigeria is also trying to curb down the cases, here local women have stepped in to fight against polio. Aljazeera reports that women set out for a day with a cooler box, "inside are oral polio vaccines packed in ice". While Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus by the WHO in 2020, the cases did not vanish fully. What Is Polio?The WHO notes that it is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in matter of hours. The virus is transmitted by person to person spread mainly through the fecal-oral route, or less frequently, by a common vehicle, which could be either from contaminated food or water. The virus also multiplies in the intestine.NIH notes that the virus responsible for causing Polio belongs to the Picornaviridae family. Also Read: Why 1 In 6 U.S. Parents Are Rejecting Vaccine RecommendationsCommon Symptoms of PolioThe NIH notes that the maximum excretion of the virus is seen in 2 to 3 days prior and 1 week after appearance of symptoms. The spread is especially rapid in areas with poor sanitation, and among the nonimmune population. The rise in cases could be seen in summer months and temperate regions. As per the WHO, the common Polio symptoms are:FeverFatigueHeadacheVomitingStiffness of the neck aPain in the limbsThe WHO also notes that 1 in 200 infections leads to intervisible paralysis, usually in legs, and among 5 to 10% of those paralysed do not survive. Who Are Most At The Risk Of Polio?As per the WHO, Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age, however, it can happen to anyone of any age who is unvaccinated and may have come in contract with the disease. Is There Any Cure For Polio?While there is no cure for Polio, it can very well be prevented. Polio vaccines, which can be administered multiple times, can protect a child for life. There are two vaccines available:Oral Polio VaccineInactivated Polio Vaccines
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