Featured image of post 4-year-old Israeli child tests positive for polio, first case since 1989

4-year-old Israeli child tests positive for polio, first case since 1989

The case in Jerusalem comes after a reported outbreak in Malawi, which was linked to one circulating in Pakistan, where it is still endemic.

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The case in Jerusalem comes after a reported outbreak in Malawi, which was linked to one circulating in Pakistan, where it is still endemic.

Highlights

  • A four-year-old Israeli child from Jerusalem tested positive for polio after it was revealed he was not vaccinated against the life-threatening disease.
  • The patient seems to have been infected with a strain that has undergone a change and could cause disease in those who are not vaccinated.
  • The case in Jerusalem comes as an outbreak of the virus was reported in Malawi, which was linked to one circulating in Pakistan, where it is still endemic.
  • Polio is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis within hours.
  • While there is no cure, it can be prevented by vaccine, the World Health Organization has said.