Is polio still an active disease?

Yes, polio is still an active disease. Although significant progress has been made in the global effort to eradicate polio, there are still cases reported in beberapa countries. Poliovirus can cause permanent paralysis, and it is particularly dangerous for children. Continued vaccination efforts and surveillance are necessary to ensure that polio is finally eradicated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2023, polio is still endemic in only three countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. These countries continue to face challenges in achieving high vaccination coverage and implementing effective surveillance systems, which contribute to the persistence of poliovirus transmission.

Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is the most common type of poliovirus that causes paralysis. While the circulation of WPV1 has been interrupted in most parts of the world, it remains a threat in the remaining endemic countries. Additionally, there have been outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), which can occur when the oral polio vaccine virus undergoes genetic changes and starts circulating in the community.

To achieve polio eradication, it is essential to maintain high levels of vaccination coverage, conduct surveillance to detect and respond to outbreaks, and strengthen healthcare systems. Vaccination campaigns often target children, but in some cases, adults may also need to be vaccinated to create herd immunity and prevent further transmission of poliovirus.