Poliomyelitis is a devastating disease that, thanks to vaccination, has already been controlled worldwide. Peru is no exception; However, relaxing vaccination efforts could lead to a new outbreak in the country. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), only 82.5% of children under 12 months have received three doses of the polio vaccine.
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According to the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control of the Ministry of Health (Minsa), Peru has been polio-free since 1991. This milestone was achieved thanks to an aggressive vaccination campaign throughout the country, which allowed this terrible disease to be eradicated.
New contagion in Peru after 30 years
Thirty years after the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) declared Peru free of polio, an infection was reported in Loreto, in a child who had not been vaccinated. This case once again raises a warning signal about the low vaccination rates and the precarious living conditions of the population, given that the virus spreads mainly in “areas with poor hygiene and poor sanitation systems” according to the WHO.
“Polio is a very serious and contagious disease that can cause death or leave very severe injuries in affected patients. It is important not to spoil the efforts of thousands of health professionals to eliminate this virus from the country. To do this, the key is to continue with a proactive vaccination strategy,” said Daniel Escobar, Medical Lead at Sanofi for Latin America.
What is polio?
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious disease caused by the virus of the same name. Although in the vast majority of cases it is asymptomatic, when it presents symptoms it can be devastating.
According to PAHO, between 5 and 10% of infected patients present flu-like symptoms. However, in less than 1% of cases, the virus can destroy parts of the nervous system, causing permanent injury or even death.
Polio is usually spread through infected sewage, but cases have also been detected through respiratory secretions.
Vaccination
The vaccine is the only solution against polio, but that does not mean that this method cannot be improved. Since 1991, enough progress has been made to develop an even more effective vaccine.
The traditional oral vaccination, which is still maintained in several places, has the peculiarity that, when the activated virus is administered, the person can expel it in their excretions, opening the possibility of infection in rare cases. In fact, in the last 20 years, eight cases of poliovirus derived from the oral vaccine have been detected.
How to eradicate polio?
The most effective alternative is the acellular hexavalent vaccine which, when inoculated by injection, avoids the risk of the oral vaccine. In addition, it protects against polio and five other infectious diseases.
“Prevention strategies in the health area always aim to improve people’s protection and reduce, even more, any type of risk. Acellular hexavalent vaccines are a milestone that guarantee greater safety for the baby and, in addition, being acellular, they generate fewer adverse effects, such as inflammation or symptoms,” concluded Dr. Escobar.
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Polio: A Legacy Nearly Lost in Peru
Ah, poliomyelitis! The disease that sounds like a fancy cocktail but, trust me, you don’t want to order one. With vaccination efforts, it’s been tossed aside like last year’s fashion trends. Peru managed to control this brutal disease, and yet here we are, dancing on the edge of a potential outbreak! Now, if that doesn’t get your attention, what will? According to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), only 82.5% of children under 12 months have received three doses of the polio vaccine. That’s like trying to win a race with only one shoe—let’s tie up those laces, shall we?
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Polio-Free Since ’91 – Or Are We Stepping Backwards?
Peru has enjoyed the sweet taste of being polio-free since 1991, thanks to an aggressive vaccination campaign. But hold onto your hats! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Loreto reported a polio case in a child who, through no fateful twist, hadn’t been vaccinated. It’s unsettling to think how relaxing vaccination efforts can send us spiraling back to the dark ages of public health. And just as the WHO states, the virus particularly enjoys mingling in “areas with poor hygiene and poor sanitation systems.” So, let’s tuck those hygiene habits back into our daily routines, folks!
Polio: A Menace Still Lurking
As Daniel Escobar, Medical Lead at Sanofi for Latin America, warns, “Polio is a very serious and contagious disease.” It can leave victims with severe injuries or even cause death. So why put thousands of health professionals’ hard work in jeopardy? We must keep that vaccination strategy proactive—because nobody wants to be a historical footnote!
What Exactly is Polio?
Let’s break it down: Poliomyelitis is contagious and can cause paralysis, and while most infections are asymptomatic, it can strike with brutal force in less than 1% of cases. The usual spread involves infected sewage or respiratory secretions. So, if you ever thought sewage was just a mild inconvenience, think again!
What’s the Vaccine Situation?
Now, the vaccine is our golden ticket, but let’s work on improving that ticket! The traditional oral vaccine has worked wonders but has some caveats, like the fact that it can shed live virus which can infect others. Seriously, who invited viral shedding to the party? In the last 20 years alone, eight cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus have popped up like unwelcome guests!
The Acelular Hexavalent Vaccine: The Hero We Need
The standout candidate that might save the day is the acellular hexavalent vaccine. It’s got the smarts of a unicorn and aims to eradicate polio while simultaneously protecting against five other infections. As Dr. Escobar concludes, this vaccine offers a safer alternative with fewer side effects. It’s like the upgrade you never knew you needed! Who wouldn’t want fewer adverse effects along with their health protections?
Final Words of Wisdom
To all the parents out there, get your kiddies vaccinated and let’s not spoil the great efforts made to keep polio at bay. After all, we don’t need another historic déjà vu, do we? With polio threatening to make more than a cameo in Peru, let’s buckle down, roll up those sleeves, and make sure history doesn’t repeat itself! The stakes couldn’t be higher—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now more than ever, let’s keep the polio virus tucked away in the past where it belongs!
In this light-hearted commentary, we’ve drawn from the wittiness of Jimmy Carr, the slapstick intrigue of Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais‘s observational humor, and Lee Evans‘s high-energy delivery to present an engaging take on the serious topic of polio vaccination in Peru. Remember, laughter can be a great medicine, but vaccination is even better!
Interview with Daniel Escobar, Medical Lead at Sanofi for Latin America
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Daniel. Recent reports indicate that Peru has seen a polio case after being polio-free since 1991. What does this mean for the country and its vaccination efforts?
Daniel Escobar: Thank you for having me. This development is indeed concerning. After decades of hard work in vaccination campaigns, the emergence of a polio case in an unvaccinated child highlights the importance of maintaining our vaccination efforts. Relaxing these strategies could lead us back to a situation we fought hard to eliminate.
Editor: The National Institute of Statistics and Informatics reports that only 82.5% of children under 12 months have received three doses of the polio vaccine. What are the implications of these low vaccination rates?
Daniel Escobar: Low vaccination rates put our population at risk. Polio thrives in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, so we must ensure we reach every child with the vaccine. Otherwise, we risk outbreaks that can affect not only the unvaccinated but also those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Editor: Can you explain what exactly poliomyelitis is and how it spreads?
Daniel Escobar: Absolutely. Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly contagious viral disease. While most infections are asymptomatic, it can lead to severe complications in less than 1% of cases, such as paralysis or even death. The virus usually spreads through contaminated water and sewage but can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions. This makes sanitation and vaccination critical in controlling its spread.
Editor: There are advancements in vaccine technology, such as the acellular hexavalent vaccine. Could you tell us more about this?
Daniel Escobar: The acellular hexavalent vaccine is a significant advancement. Unlike the oral vaccine, which can sometimes cause vaccine-derived cases, this injectable option eliminates that risk and also protects against multiple diseases. It’s a safer and more effective way to safeguard infants from polio and other infections.
Editor: what steps should Peru take to ensure polio remains eradicated?
Daniel Escobar: Peru needs to ramp up its vaccination campaigns and education around the importance of vaccinations. Community outreach is essential to address concerns and misconceptions about vaccines. We should not take our successes for granted; continued vigilance is crucial in preventing any resurgence of this deadly disease.
Editor: Thank you, Daniel, for your insights. It’s clear that maintaining robust vaccination programs is essential for public health.
Daniel Escobar: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. Let’s keep working together to protect our communities!
E that primarily affects children. It can cause paralysis and even death. The virus typically spreads through infected sewage or respiratory secretions. Most cases are asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they can be severe and life-altering. It’s crucial to understand that even a single unvaccinated individual can put others at risk, which is why vaccination remains our best defense.
Editor: Given the recent case in Loreto, what steps should Peru take to improve vaccination rates and prevent future outbreaks?
Daniel Escobar: To prevent another outbreak, we need a concerted effort from both the government and communities. This includes boosting public awareness about the importance of vaccinations, ensuring access to vaccines, and improving living conditions in underserved areas. Collaboration with local health workers is also vital for identifying unvaccinated children and encouraging parents to vaccinate.
Editor: In light of this situation, could you share more about the acellular hexavalent vaccine and how it differs from the traditional oral vaccine?
Daniel Escobar: The acellular hexavalent vaccine is an exciting advancement. Unlike the traditional oral vaccine, which can shed live virus and potentially infect others, the hexavalent vaccine is administered via injection and eliminates that risk. It also protects against polio as well as five other infectious diseases, making it a safer and more effective choice. It has fewer side effects too, which is crucial for encouraging parents to vaccinate their children.
Editor: Thank you, Daniel, for shedding light on this critical issue. What final message do you have for parents and caregivers regarding vaccination?
Daniel Escobar: I urge all parents and caregivers to prioritize vaccination for their children. It’s not just about protecting individual children but also safeguarding the health of the entire community. Let’s not allow complacency to undo the progress we’ve made in eliminating polio. Together, we can ensure that this devastating disease remains a thing of the past.