Warning: First Polio Case Confirmed in Malaysia After Nearly 30 Years

Polio, a disease once eradicated from our country has now made a comeback. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Health after a three-month old boy from Tuaran, Sabah had been admitted into a hospital after suffering from fever and weakness of limbs.

As reported by The Star, the victim was infected on 6 December by a polio virus (cVDPV) type One which has been weakened by an orally administered vaccine. This means that those who have been vaccinated will be safe from the infection.

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the weakened virus was released from the body through faeces and it could easily infect those who were not vaccinated in an sanitary environment. He warned,

“As the virus spreads in the community, it will undergo genetic mutation until it once again becomes an active virus.”

Dr Noor Hisham said (cVDPV) type One can only be eradicated through immunisation and it is vital for every child in the community to be vaccinated.

The last case detected in Malaysia was in 1992, and the country was declared free of polio in 2000. Parents who detect any polio related symptoms in their kids are urged to bring their children for a checkup immediately.

We need to work together to eradicate this heinous virus once again!

Also read: Anti-Vaxxers Can No Longer Choose To Not Vaccinate Following Planned Compulsory Vaccination Bill