The Council of Ministers declared a health emergency, on May 24, to the regions of Amazonas, Arequipa, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali and the constitutional province of Callao due to outbreaks of poliomyelitis and measles, mainly in the population under 5 years of age.
With a budget that exceeds 27 million soles, it is expected to deploy more than 20,000 vaccination brigades in order to “protect more than 2 million 500,000 boys and girls with poliomyelitis, measles, mumps and rubella,” announced the head of the Health portfolio, Rosa Gutiérrez.
YOU CAN SEE: Health emergency in Callao and Lima regions due to high risk of polio and measles
What is polio?
La polioor poliomyelitis is a disease caused by the virus of the same name. According to World Health Organization (WHO), of every 100 infected people, 10% may present symptoms similar to those of a common flu; while one in 200 can see their nervous system affected by suffering permanent paralysis in the legs or arms. There have even been known cases in which there are difficulties breathing, with the potential to cause death.
How is polio spread?
Although this virus mostly attacks children under 5 years of age, it can affect older people who have not been immunized against it. disease. However, the usual forms of contagion, from person to person, are:
Fecal-oral route Contaminated food and drink (uncommon) Droplets from sneezing or coughing (uncommon).
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What are the symptoms?
The discomforts that this disease can cause are easily confused with infections or other conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to search medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
Tiredness Sore throat Fever Nausea Headache Stomach ache.
