Outbreak of Polio in Congo Essay

The ages and gender of the susceptible suggest the cause may be insufficient or incomplete immunizations, especially since women and girls can develop some immunity as a result of being exposed to immunized infants. (UN, 2010)

Although only five cases have been confirmed as polio so far, lab testing continues. Of three known strains of polio, the particular strain causing this outbreak is thought to originate from India, where it spread to nearby Angola. Previous experience shows that very rapid vaccination efforts can quell the outbreak (in 2006 in Namibia one was controlled within three months), but they must be swift and include all neighboring districts. In addition, surveillance efforts must continue for a full year after the vaccination efforts are complete, in order to ensure eradication. (PGEI, 2010)

Scientists attribute this outbreak in Congo to more than just poorly managed vaccination campaigns. Some argue that as long as poverty, unclean water, flooding, poor hygiene, or poor sanitation -- and any pockets of the virus exist anywhere -- there will be new outbreaks from time to time in unexpected places. (Griffiths, 2010) Any other causes for the explosive outbreak have not yet been identified.it's interesting to note, however, that some scientists believe the HIV virus originated in the Congo in 1959 via a polio vaccine, although recent research suggests this may not be the case (BBCnews, 2010). Could there be a mutated, more dangerous strain of polio emerging?

References

BBCnews, s. (2010). AIDS dates from the 1930s. Retrieved 11-29, 2010, from news.bbc.co.uk: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/783533.stm

Berkow, R., & al, e. (1997). The Merck Manual of Medical Information. New York: Merck & Co.

CDC, s. (2010, 11-29). Update on the Global Status of Polio. Retrieved 11-29, 2010, from wwwnc.cdc.gov: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/in-the-news/polio-outbreaks.aspx

Griffiths, M. (2010, 11-12). Congo polio outbreak kills 97. Retrieved 11-29, 2010, from www.abc.net.au: http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s3064562.htm

PGEI, s. (2010, 11-22). Emergency appeal for Congo polio outbreak. Retrieved 11-29, 2010, from www.polioeradication.org: http://www.polioeradication.org/tabid/167/iid/80/Default.aspx

UN, s. (2010, 11-11). Mass polio vaccination drive set to begin after Central Africa outbreak. Retrieved 11-29, 2010, from www.un.org: http://www.un.org/apps//news/story.asp?NewsID=36725&Cr=polio&Cr1=.....