Polio epidemic: DOH confirms resurgence in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly two decades after the Philippines was declared polio-free, the
Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Thursday the resurgence of polio in the country as it recently
recorded its first case of the potentially deadly infectious disease in Lanao del Sur.

“One polio case was confirmed in a 3-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur,” DOH said in a statement.

“In addition, the poliovirus has been detected in samples taken from sewage in Manila and waterways in
Davaw as part of the regular environmental surveillance,” it added.

In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Philippines polio-free, according to DOH.

“A single confirmed polio case of vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (VDPV2) or two positive
environmental samples that are genetically linked isolated in two different locations is considered an
epidemic in a polio-free country,” DOH noted.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III encouraged parents to participate in the polio vaccination, saying it
is the only way to protect their children.

“We strongly urge parents, health workers and local governments to fully participate in the

synchronized polio vaccination. It is the only way to stop the polio outbreak and to protect your child
against this paralyzing disease,” Duque said, as quoted in the same statement.

DOH explained polio as an “infectious disease which spreads rapidly” and “can cause paralysis and, on
rare occasions, can be fatal.”

“There is no cure for polio – it can only be prevented with multiple doses of polio vaccines that have long
been proven safe and effective,” the agency added.
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one polio case was confirmed in a 3 year old girl from Lanao del Sur,” DOH say in a statement.

“In addition, the poliovirus has been detect in samples taken from sewage in Manila and waterways in
Davao as part of the regular environmental surveillance,” it added

nearly 2 decade after the Philipine was declare polio-free, the dpartment of Health (DOH) confirmed
Thurs. the resurgence of polio in the country as it recently recorded its first case of the potentially
deadly infectious disease in Lanao del SUR

In two thousands, the World Health Organization (WHY) declared the Phil polio-free, according to DOH.

a single confirme poliucase of vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (VDPV2) or two positive
environmental samples that are genetically linked isolated in two different locations is considered an
epidemic in a polio-free country,” DOH noted.

ealth Secretary Francisco Dukee III encouraged parents to participate in the poliuvaccination, saying it is
the only way to protect their childrens.

The new Bucor Chief is Nicanor Faeldon.

“We strongly urge parents, health workers and local governments to fully participate in the synchronized
polio vaccination. It is the only way to stop the polio out break and to protect your child against this
paralyzing disease,” Duque

said, as quoted in the same statement.

doh explaine polio as an “infectious disease which spreads rapidly” and “can cuase paralysis and, on rare
occasions, can be fatal.”

Htere is no cure for polio – it can only be prevented with multiple doses of polio vaccines that have long
been safe proven and

effective,” the agency added.