UN confirms polio outbreak in Syria, regional risk 'high'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN confirms polio outbreak in Syria, regional risk 'high', 29 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528b681fb.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 29, 2013
Syrians displaced by fighting. Polio can strike at any age but mainly affects children under 5.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 10 cases of polio in Syria – the first outbreak of the disease in the country in 14 years.
The UN agency said on October 29 that another 12 cases showing symptoms of paralytic polio – the most serious form of the disease – are being investigated.
Most victims are under 2 years old.
The outbreak centers on the northeastern province of Deir al-Zor, but a WHO spokesman, Oliver Rosenbauer, said the "risk is high" of the disease spreading across the region.
Before Syria's civil war began in 2011, triggering a humanitarian crisis, most children were vaccinated against polio.
The highly contagious disease is often spread by consuming food or liquid contaminated with feces.
There is no known cure for polio, which remains endemic in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
