Ugly Head of an Old Disease - Polio!

Does it seem like every few days there is a report of a new or old organism or disease poking its head up and staying “I’m here! Look at me!” I’m sure as an infection Preventionist or ID physician, it may seem that way to you. If you are in the cities and towns that are having these outbreaks it doesn’t matter what your profession is, you are affected. The issue of MDROs, emerging diseases, and known diseases we hoped to have snuffed out with mass vaccinations are now front and center in all of our lives. They are no longer just for the hospitals they are on mass. Polio is back in North America. New York State has declared a state disaster emergency. What do we need to know?For polio and for most diseases we need to be vaccinated to be safe. There is no question of what the vaccine did for the eradication of polio. Vaccines work and save lives.Be safe and please remember, wash your hands.Podcasts referenced:Podcast episode 45 - “Infection Prevention Needs a New Normal” When I interview Grant Morgan, CEO of R-Zero as he discusses utilizing hospital technologies in schools, restaurants and work places. Podcast episode 43 “Cleaning for Health and Smart disinfection with epidemiologist Emily Rosenberg”  References:CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/polio/what-is-polio/faq/index.htmNew Your State  - https://www.governor.ny.gov/executive-order/no-21-declaring-disaster-state-new-yorkInteresting Polio Vaccine history:Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/history-disease-outbreaks-vaccine-timeline/polio