Abstract
On 22 June 2022, the UK Health Security Agency declared a 'rare national incidence' after finding poliovirus in sewage in London for the first time in nearly 40 years. Although no cases of the disease or accompanying paralysis have been documented, the general public's risk is considered minimal. However, public health experts recommend that families are up to date on their polio vaccines to decrease the chance of harm. This article discusses the epidemiology of poliovirus by examining the aetiology of the disease and current mitigation policies implemented to prevent the spread of type 2 vaccine-deceived poliovirus in the UK. Finally, by examining the clinical features of polio, which range from mild gastroenteritis episodes, respiratory sickness, malaise and severe paralysis type, this article offers an advice on particular therapies and tactics to avoid poliovirus outbreaks and other future outbreaks.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 816-819 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Postgraduate medical journal |
Volume | 98 |
Issue number | 1165 |
Early online date | 19 Sept 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for- profit sectors.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- epidemiology
- Health policy
- Public health
- virology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine