MCHD observing World Polio Day 10.24.25

October 24, 2025

MCHD observing World Polio Day

MOBILE, Ala. — Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious, viral disease that mainly affects children under the age of 5. It is usually transmitted from one person to the next through contact with poop from an infected individual, or less commonly, via the inhalation of droplets, from a person’s sneezes or coughs, for example.

Poor personal hygiene in younger children and infants putting their hands and objects in their mouths nearly 10 times per hour, they are frequently ingesting invisible contaminants and viruses.
Once inside the body, poliovirus multiples in the throat and intestines and can sometimes invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis. We have forgotten the life-changing impact of the polio vaccination program.

In 1952, the peak year for U.S. outbreaks, nearly 21,000 cases resulted in paralysis and 3,000 deaths. Many affected individuals required iron lung therapy to support breathing due to paralyzed chest muscles.

The polio vaccine campaigns in the 1950s dropped cases to fewer than 100 per year within a decade. The challenges the country faced with the availability of iron lungs now replaced with mechanical ventilators and tubes inserted into their airways. It was not too long ago that we were faced with ventilator shortages during the initial outbreak of COVID-19. Are we ready?

Can we afford the loss of immunity in our community by discontinuing vaccination recommendations?

“Together, we can keep our community healthy and strong. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the perfect time to get your shot,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “We encourage all residents to check their immunization status, especially before traveling, and to speak with healthcare providers about staying up to date.”

Vaccines are widely available at many pharmacies and doctor’s offices throughout the county. Getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce severe illness and hospitalization from vaccine preventable illnesses.