Marin vaccine skipping raises concerns of polio resurgence

[KamaAina]

http://www.mercurynews.com/health/ci_27588369/marin-vaccine-skipping-raises-concerns-polio-resurgence

The measles outbreak originating in Disneyland brought that disease into the public eye in recent months. But the county's immunization rates for polio are also concerning, officials say.

Polio crippled more than 35,000 people in the U.S. every year from the late 1940s to the early 1950s, then disappeared nationwide thanks to vaccination. But this could change in an area with low immunization rates.

"We have a lot of families that enjoy international travel combined with a relatively high rate of people who are unvaccinated for diseases that are endemic in other parts of the world. That's a dangerous combination," said Dr. Matthew Willis, the public health officer for Marin County.

"Polio is present in nine countries worldwide, and if we start having lower and lower vaccination rates of polio here, it's possible it could contribute to a resurgence of polio," Willis said.

edit: I'm sure my dear friend who had polio will be thrilled.

[SwissTony]

1. I've said here and elsewhere that polio was the real scare in the 50s.

I've seen people who suffered from the disease. I was terrified of getting it. It was a real possibility.

Terrible. Terrible. Get vaxxed, good people.

And not just for polio. All those other diseases that young doctors and nurses are starting to see - many for the first time - like measles, mumps.

[NuclearDem]

2. Yay anti-vaxxers! You're the best!