Penza Rospotrebnadzor urged not to forget about vaccinations

Every year on October 24, the world remembers polio, a disease that once frightened entire continents. This day is to remind people how dangerous the virus is and what consequences it leaves, and to explain why vaccination remains the main protection.

In 1988, polio was considered endemic in 125 countries. The WHO global eradication initiative has reduced the list to two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Russia has been polio-free since 2002, but it is too early to relax. As long as there is at least one carrier of the virus in the world, the threat remains for everyone.

Polio is highly contagious. It is caused by enteroviruses that attack the nervous system. The disease can lead to complete paralysis in just a few hours. Approximately 30% of patients remain persistent paralysis and muscle atrophy, leading to disability. If the virus affects the respiratory system, about 10% of cases are fatal.

The infection is transmitted mainly through dirty water and food - by the fecal-oral route. Less commonly, airborne droplets. The source can be both a sick person and an asymptomatic carrier. At risk - children under three years, but adults can get sick. Clinical manifestations range from a complete absence of symptoms to severe paralysis.

There is no cure for polio. The only way to protect yourself is vaccination. Vaccination, made on time, protects for life. In our country, vaccination is carried out according to the national calendar. Children are vaccinated at 3, 4, 5 and 6 months. Revaccination awaits them at 18 months, 20 months and 6 years. The first dose is administered with an inactivated vaccine, and the subsequent - live.