WHO: Eradicated two of the three viruses that cause polio

The World Health Organization (WHO/WHO) hailed a "historic step" towards the eradication of polio as the expert group confirmed that the second of the three types of poliovirus, the causative agent of the disease also known as poliomyelitis, has been eradicated from the world.

This victory, announced by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, means that only the type 1 virus is still active, as the type 2 virus was eradicated in 2015, and for the type three virus this was announced this week, reports Hina.

Type 1 virus is still endemic

Worldwide, the incidence of poliomyelitis has decreased by more than 99 percent since 1988, but the type 1 virus that causes polio is still endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where a total of 88 people have been infected this year.

This is a re-growth of infected people after a record low number in 2017 when 22 cases were recorded.

"The eradication of poliovirus type 3 is an important milestone towards a polio-free world, but we must not rest easy," said Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, WHO Africa Director.

The vaccination alliance GAVi hailed the announcement as a "remarkable victory in the fight against polio".

A disease that attacks the nervous system

Polio attacks the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours. The disease cannot be cured, but the infection can be prevented by vaccination, and the dramatic decrease in the number of patients in recent decades was achieved thanks to the systemic vaccination of infants and children.

However, in unvaccinated populations, polioviruses can re-emerge and spread rapidly. Cases can also occur in environments where immunity is low and hygienic conditions are deficient because vaccinated people can shed the virus and thus expose those who have not been vaccinated to danger.

The Philippines announced last month that it plans to implement an emergency vaccination campaign as polio has resurfaced with two cases in 20 years.

Moeti called on governments to monitor the situation closely. "Countries must strengthen routine vaccination to protect communities, redouble routine surveillance to be able to detect even the slightest danger of polio resurgence," she said.