The latest information from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) sadly shows that the number of wild poliovirus cases this year is greater than at the same time last year (13 in 2018; 7 in 2017.) Happily, the number of vaccine derived poliovirus cases are significantly reduced from this time last year {15 versus 33). You may have seen/heard reports of cases in Venezuela and Papua New Guinea—in both instances the children paralyzed were paralyzed by circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (forms of the virus that are in the oral vaccine). This indicates that the population in the area have not been adequately vaccinated, but outbreaks of vaccine derived virus can be quickly controlled.
We MUST continue our efforts! The District Polio Committee is ready to help you and your club—click on the red “End Polio Now” button on the District website (the page that comes up when you click “Full District Site”.)