In July, the U.S. saw its first case of polio since 2013. An unvaccinated man in his twenties was diagnosed with the disease after going to his doctor with partial leg paralysis. The man is a New York State resident. Poliovirus was detected in wastewater samples collected in downstate counties, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a statewide disaster emergency.
Why is polio reemerging? Doctors say it is tied to the pandemic, which has led to a country-wide lag in childhood vaccinations for many diseases. We discuss it all with our guests:
- Geoff Weinberg, M.D., pediatrician and professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Infections Diseases, at URMC’s Golisano Children’s Hospital
- Elizabeth Murray, D.O., pediatrician at URMC’s Golisano Children’s Hospital
- Grace Rossow, polio survivor
