The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, September 20, confirmed another case of Polio, this time, from a five-year-old boy from Laguna.
The Philippines, which was declared by the World Health Organization as polio-free since 2000, has now two confirmed polio cases. The first case was a three-year-old girl in Lanao del Sur, prompting the government to declare a polio outbreak in the country.
In a statement, the DOH said the boy, who is suffering from “multiple pediatric diseases,” experienced the onset of paralysis last August 25. Although he has been discharged from the hospital and is able to walk, he is still being closely monitored for other residual symptoms.
To stop the spread of the disease, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated his appeal to the public to take part in the synchronized polio vaccination which will be scheduled in their respective communities. There is no cure for polio but it can be prevented by vaccination.
“We are also reiterating our advisory to the public to practice good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, to use toilets, drink safe water, and to cook food thoroughly,” he added.
Also on Friday, the Health Department also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Rotary International’s 10 Districts to heighten polio awareness and vaccination campaign, as the latter will give support through fundraising, advocacy and volunteer recruitment.
Meanwhile, the DOH will strengthen its surveillance of children below five years old who developed sudden onset of muscle weakness or paralysis of the upper and lower extremities, intensify the implementation of the Zero Open Defecation Program, and strengthen environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.
The DOH – Metro Manila Center for Health Development will also conduct three rounds of supplemental Oral Polio Immunization to ensure protection against polio among children under 5 years old.