Friday, May 9, 2014

Polio Eradication, or lack therof

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/spread-polio-now-world-health-emergency-23586786?page=2

Reading this story is somewhat perplexing.  I understand the spread of Polio in places that the virus exists, and how the social and political climate affects the level of protected individuals.  When they bring up Ukraine, however, I am a bit confused.  Has Polio been reported there, in the drinking water? 

A quick google search turns up this helpful article: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/15/us-ukraine-polio-idUSBRE9AE0LJ20131115

In this article, it is spelled out more clearly: low vaccination rates in the middle east contribute to the rising rates.  With lower levels of trust in the government, Ukraine's citizens are vaccinated on a lower level, and so are vulnerable to travelers from the mideast. 

Interesting.

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