Philippines reports its first case of polio in nearly two decades

The country’s department of health confirmed that poliomyelitis has reemerged after 19 years of being free of the disease. A 3-year-old girl in Lanao del Sur is the first confirmed case.

One polio case has been confirmed in Lanao del Sur. The polio virus has also been detected in water sewage samples in Manila and Davao.

A confirmed case of polio and 2 positive environment samples is considered an epidemic in a polio free country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III says polio vaccines to be administered in the country: The WHO and UNICEF has committed to help us acquire the vaccines needed.

DOH Sec. Francisco Duque urges parents, health workers and LGUs to participate in synchronized polio vaccination.

Duque says 95% of polio cases do not have symptoms, 4% show fever-like symptoms. The World Health Organization says it is fully prepared to support the Philippines in responding to the reemergence of polio cases.

WHO says there are 3 types of polio affecting humans. Type 2, which is the confirmed case in Lanao del Sur, has long been eliminated.

WHO says children need to receive fresh vaccines to be fully protected from polio, even if they previously received a dose.

All children in the Philippines are at risk because of this outbreak. But #polio vaccines, given multiple times, can protect a child for life. Proper hygiene and sanitation (use a toilet, wash hands) also help limit the disease’s spread.