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Who is most at risk for contracting poliomyelitis and why?

Charlie Sambidge

Hey friend,

Good question! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children under the age of 5 are the most at risk for contracting poliomyelitis. This is because the virus that causes polio spreads easily in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices, which are typically more prevalent in developing countries where a higher proportion of the population is under 5 years old.

The poliovirus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning it spreads from one person to another through contact with infected fecal matter or contaminated food and water. Young children who are still learning basic hygiene practices and may be more likely to put their hands in their mouth or touch contaminated surfaces are therefore more vulnerable to catching the disease.

In addition, children with weakened immune systems due to malnutrition or other underlying health conditions are also at higher risk of contracting and being severely affected by polio. This is because their bodies may not be able to fight off the virus as effectively as those with healthy immune systems.

Fortunately, vaccination campaigns have been incredibly successful in preventing the spread of polio and protecting children from infection. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which is a partnership between WHO, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rotary International, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness to support vaccination efforts around the world. Thanks to these initiatives, polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, with just two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) reporting a small number of cases in recent years.

In summary, young children under the age of 5, particularly those living in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices or with weakened immune systems, are most at risk for contracting polio. However, vaccination campaigns have been highly effective in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting vulnerable populations.