Yes, polio is still around, specifically the wild poliovirus, though its global reach has been significantly reduced.
While tremendous progress has been made towards eradicating poliomyelitis worldwide, the virus has not been completely eliminated.
Current Status of Wild Poliovirus Circulation
Endemic transmission of wild poliovirus is continuing in specific geographic areas. Currently, wild poliovirus is known to circulate in:
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
These two countries represent the last remaining strongholds where the wild poliovirus is still actively transmitted among communities. The ongoing presence of the virus in these regions poses a significant challenge to global eradication efforts.
Why Complete Eradication is Crucial
The continued existence of wild poliovirus in any part of the world poses a global risk. Health authorities emphasize that a failure to stop polio in these last remaining areas could lead to a global resurgence of the disease. This highlights the critical importance of ensuring that polio is eradicated completely, once and for all, to safeguard public health worldwide. The goal is to achieve a world entirely free of all polioviruses, preventing any future cases of this debilitating disease.
