Polio outbreak in Gaza and resurgence in US and UK sewage

In Gaza, approximately 640,000 children under 10 are set to receive oral polio vaccine drops amid ongoing conflict, which has severely damaged water and waste management systems, facilitating the spread of the disease. The poliovirus detected in Gaza is believed to be vaccine-derived, affecting unvaccinated individuals or those who did not complete their vaccinations. The UN health agency previously warned of the virus's presence in Gaza's wastewater, prompting urgent vaccination efforts. The virus circulating in Gaza is linked to a similar strain found in Egypt, associated with the type 2 novel oral poliovirus vaccine used there. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in controlling polio, particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Globally, polio has been nearly eradicated, with only Pakistan and Afghanistan remaining endemic countries, while Mozambique and Malawi have reported recent cases after previously eradicating the disease. In 2022, Canada, the US, and the UK detected vaccine-derived type 2 poliovirus in wastewater, with the US reporting an actual infection. The rise in vaccine-derived cases is attributed to a global shift in vaccination strategies, particularly the removal of the type 2 virus from oral vaccines in 2016. This change has led to concerns about the potential for vaccine-derived outbreaks, especially in areas with low vaccination coverage. The resurgence of polio in various regions underscores the importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs and addressing misinformation surrounding vaccines. The ongoing conflict in Gaza further complicates these efforts, emphasizing the need for international support to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable populations.