World Polio Day

World Polio Day is celebrated on October 23 around the world. The purpose of the holiday is to tell about the prevention of one of the most serious viral diseases and about those who are at the forefront of the fight against the disease. It is a contagious virus that can infect areas of the brain that control breathing. In some cases, it leads to death. Find out more about this date!

History

Currently, polio is not very common due to modern interventions, but in rare cases it strikes. There is no cure, the most effective remedy is vaccination. The disease can develop at any age, but according to statistics, this occurs more often up to 5 years. Until 1950, the disease was very dangerous due to the lack of a vaccine – it was created by American virologists. She reduced the incidence by up to 99%!

According to one hypothesis, children became infected due to contaminated water supply. If the baby had antibodies in the blood, then he successfully fought the virus. Sanitation is at a high level now! in 1994 the Western Hemisphere was declared free from the disease due to mass vaccination. Today, there are foci in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the virus rarely goes beyond the borders of states. If you live in any other country, do not neglect vaccination!

Interesting facts

Did you know that:

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt – 32nd President of America had polio and lost the ability to move freely;
• the pathogen survives up to 6 months in faeces and up to 3 in water;
• a person is contagious not only during the incubation period, but also during the next 6 months;
• paralytic form occurs in 1%;
• Polio will continue to spread as long as there is at least one person on the planet who is infectious.

How to celebrate

Vaccinate your children – their timely protection is extremely important! Make a donation in any form: it can be not only money, but also time – volunteer help is always needed! Learn more at organizations. Spread the knowledge so that more people are armed with it!

When is World Polio Day celebrated in 2022?

World Polio Day is observed on October 24 each year.

Observations