Afghanistan Reports 20 Cases of Polio

The number of polio cases in Afghanistan has risen to 20, after a new case diagnosed in the southern region, reported the Ministry of Public Health.

The Ministry of Public Health, Afghanistan reported that the number of people affected with polio has rose to 20 this year, after a new case confirmed in the southern region.

The latest case of wild polio virus was detected in Shaheede-e-Hassas district in the southern province of Uruzgan, bringing to two the number of the polio virus cases in the district, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying.

Poliomyelitis - About
Polio is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It results in paralysis and generally affects people of all age groups, children being more susceptible

‘Vaccination is the major preventing factor against the debilitating disease.’

The paralyzed three-year-old boy had never been vaccinated due to his family's refusal to go for polio vaccination.

A total of 14 cases have been recorded in southern Afghanistan and the six other cases reported in eastern Afghan provinces so far this year.

Polio virus could be transferred rapidly and the only preventable way was vaccination, the statement noted.

Post-Polio Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Post polio syndrome occurs a long time after an early attack of poliomyelitis virus. Gradual progressive weakening in muscles, fatigue, joint pain and a decrease in the size of muscles are key symptoms.

The ongoing insurgency and conflicts have been hindering the efforts to stamp out the infectious disease in the country.

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Adult Immunization
Adult immunization is needed for adults whose mandatory childhood vaccines were either missed out or offer less protection, and to guard against new diseases.