Putnam County Government Responds To Polio In Rockland County

Press release from the Putnam County Government:

BREWSTER, NY — Putnam County Commissioner of Health Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD says, “The identification of a polio case in New York State this week has reinvigorated the importance of adhering to the CDC childhood immunization schedule. In this particular case, there is indication that transmission occurred from an individual who received the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which has not been available in this country since 2000. The only polio vaccine available in the US is the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which cannot result in polio infection, as it does not contain live virus.”

Because of widespread vaccination, the last naturally occurring polio infection in the United States was in 1979. Polio is a viral disease that may affect the neurologic system, causing muscle weakness and, in certain cases, may result in paralysis or death.

Nesheiwat continues, “Vaccinated residents are not considered at significant risk. Any resident who is unvaccinated, has not completed the polio vaccination series, or is at high-risk for transmission is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or the health department to schedule polio vaccination. It is vital that we continue to assure residents of the safety and efficacy of vaccines. It is equally as important for us to remind people that the vaccination efforts of the past allow us to live healthier and safer lives today. For example, smallpox has been eradicated worldwide thanks to successful global vaccination efforts, and children today no longer need to receive the smallpox vaccination. What we do today helps determine which vaccine-preventable diseases are no longer a threat for future generations.”

County Executive MaryEllen Odell says, “Our health department maintains a substantial vaccine inventory and is prepared to vaccinate any residents at risk for polio. Because polio is a required childhood immunization to attend schools in New York State, we know the majority of our residents are protected against this viral disease. Thankfully, the general public does not need to be concerned for their health or safety. Residents with questions or concerns should contact their healthcare providers or our health department.”

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our county website at www.putnamcountyny.com, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.

This press release was produced by the Putnam County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.