New York declares a state of emergency due to the spread of poliovirus

() — New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency in the face of evidence that the polio virus is circulating, a move that will increase the availability of resources, including expanding the network of polio vaccine administrators. state health officials said.

The analysis The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sequential sewage surveillance found polio samples in Nassau County, bringing the total to five counties: Rockland County , Orange County, Sullivan County, New York City, and now Nassau County.

The August sample from Nassau County, Long Island, has been genetically linked to the case identified in Rockland County, showing further evidence of widespread community spread.

All of the samples are “concern samples,” meaning types of polio that can cause paralysis in humans.

“Strengthening the immunization campaign, the decree immediately expands the network of polio vaccine administrators to include emergency service workers, midwives, and pharmacists, and authorizes doctors and registered nurses to issue standing polio vaccination orders that are not specific to patients,” says the official statement.

The order also requires health care providers to provide polio immunization data to the state health department to help focus vaccination efforts where they are needed most.

“When it comes to polio, we just can’t leave it to chance,” said Dr. Mary T. Bassett, the state’s Health Commissioner, warning of the risk of disease.

“Don’t wait to get vaccinated,” he urged.