For many, polio is a disease found only in history books. But, for the first time in 10 years it has become a reality for China. Frantic vaccination efforts are underway as Chinese officials try to put a stop to an outbreak in the country’s Xinjiang Uygur region. The disease originated in Pakistan where it has been allowed spread, affecting a thousand a year, mostly children. Authorities are concerned it may spread easy as millions of people make the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. Polio has become a major health issue across much of the Asian region due to poor health facilities and conflict zones that hinder vaccination campaigns. Polio experts say they have reached the final stage of eradication, but it is uncertain how long it will take. Polio is a disease spread through the ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated by a person’s infected feces. Although it primarily targets children under five, anyone who is unvaccinated can be affected. Polio can result in severe symptoms, such as the paralysis of limbs and or respiratory muscles.
Travel precautions for polio regions
Anyone traveling to China is recommended to have all polio booster shots up-to-date. Although the majority of American adults have been vaccinated, be sure to speak with a doctor before departing. Only eat foods that have been properly cooked and prepared, and drink only boiled or bottled water, including other beverages. Avoid ice in drinks, unless certain it is safe. All children should be given 4 doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) by the age of six.
