VACCINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE

of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association

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polio Vaccine Question #1:

Is polio still a concern?

Yes, it is. Despite global elimination goals, polio eradication has not been achieved in all countries and we live in a global society where travel is common. As one of our physician colleagues says, “we can be just one flight away from contact with contagious polio!”  For those who are not immunized, risk of contracting polio with travel to countries with circulating poliovirus (endemic or outbreak) remains. Importation of polio into Canada that can spread to other unimmunized people in Canada is an ongoing concern.

Polio infection can cause a range of symptoms and potential outcomes, ranging from no symptoms at all, to paralysis or even death. Most polio infections (approximately 75%) are asymptomaticIn symptomatic persons, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, stiffness, and vomiting may occur; and for some, paralysis can ensue. Although paralysis is the most visible sign of polio infection, less than 1% of cases result in paralysis. The case fatality rate for paralytic polio is 2% to 5% among children and 15% to 30% for adults.

Until polio eradication has been achieved globally, there remains risk of contracting polio [ RH1] with travel to countries with circulating poliovirus (endemic or outbreak) and importation of polio into Canada. Polio remains endemic in two countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan; additional countries are known or suspected of having re-established transmission of poliovirus. Several other countries have ongoing outbreaks due to importations of poliovirus.

The incidence of polio in Canada was dramatically reduced by the introduction of immunization programs in the 1950s. The last endemic case of wild poliovirus in Canada was in 1977. In 1994, Canada was certified as being free of wild poliovirus by the World Health Organization (WHO).More information on polio and polio surveillance in Canada can be found on PHAC's website.

Sources:

Government of Canada: Poliomyelitis (polio) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
Pan American Health Organization: Epidemiological update: Detection of poliovirus in wastewater