Polio Scare: New York Declares State Of Emergency After Virus Found In Wastewater

Pic courtesy MedicineNet

New York: The New York City administration has declared a state of emergency over polio.

This follows fears of the virus spreading as it was found in wastewater samples in Nassau County on Long Island, reported Bloomberg.

An executive order to this effect was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in an effort to boost vaccination rates.

The network of vaccine administrators will be expanded to include emergency medical workers, midwives and pharmacists, while physicians and certified nurse practitioners will be able to issue non-patient-specific standing orders for polio vaccine, New York Department of Health said in a statement.

“On polio, we simply cannot roll the dice. If you or your child are unvaccinated or not up to date with vaccinations, the risk of paralytic disease is real. I urge New Yorkers to not accept any risk at all,” said Health Commissioner Mary Bassett.

Also Read: First-Ever Polio Vaccine Approved For Emergency Use

New Yorkers who have already completed their polio vaccine series should receive a lifetime booster after coming in close contact with a person suspected to be infected by the virus, the Health department instructed.

The department has also recommended boosters for healthcare workers who may be handling specimens containing polio virus or who treat polio-infected patients. People with occupational exposure to wastewater may also go for booster shot.

Also Read: COVID-19: Polio Vaccine May Prevent Or Reduce Spread, Feel US-Based Doctors