A case of polio detected in New York's wastewater system shows that feared disease has not been eradicated in the United States as had previously been supposed.
UCSF epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford worked at the CDC in the early 1980s when Taiwan experienced its polio outbreak. The patient in New York is experiencing paralysis. Epidemiologists believe that patient came in contact with the virus overseas after visiting a country that still uses a weakened live virus in its vaccine -- a virus which then mutated.
This is coming at a time when overall vaccine confidence is down and some kids missed getting their usual vaccinations during the pandemic. "If you look at the doses that were missed, based on 2020 and 2021 data, we think that 14 to 15 million children have not been caught up to date in the whole country," Dr. Maldonado explained.
Doctors estimate roughly 30,000 lives in the U.S. are saved every year from diseases that can be conquered by effective vaccines. They hope the re-emergence of polio will encourage parents to get their kids caught up on all their shots. "They don't want to regret later and say 'I wish I would've done this.' When I was a young pediatrician, I would see a lot of these diseases every single week. We just don't see them anymore because kids are protected so we want to keep those kids safe," Dr. Maldonado said.© 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.Please enter email address to continue
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Solange Knowles commissioned to compose for New York City Ballet - New York Amsterdam NewsIt has been reported that Solange Knowles has been commissioned to compose a score for the New York City Ballet.
Read more »
Old versus new in August State Senate races - New York Amsterdam NewsThere’s less than a week until the August Primary caps on Tuesday, Aug. 23, Election Day. Here’s a recap of some of the major State Senate races.
Read more »
Northern Lights may be visible in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut due to geomagnetic stormsIf weather permits, the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could be visible to people as far south from the polar region as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Iowa and Oregon.
Read more »
BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs new law banning 'gendered language' for professionsNew York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law banning 'gendered language' for professions. Watch Newsmax on Directv 349, Xfinity 1115, Dish 216, Spectr...
Read more »
Officials respond after polio samples were found in wastewater in 2 New York countiesIn two New York counties, city health officials have been tackling a worrying trend: polio samples showing up in wastewater. In one county, a young adult became sick and paralyzed from the disease.
Read more »