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The Indonesian health authorities have recently
confirmed 6 additional polio cases in the country, bringing the total infected
to 14. |
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All these cases are all from the same area in
Indonesia. 11 are from the same village (Sukabumi district) and 3 are from
neighbouring villages (Lebak and Bogor districts). The 14 cases are all young
children. |
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The Ministry of Health would like to assure the
public that the risk of being infected by polio in Singapore remains very low,
due to the high levels of poliomyelitis immunization in our community.
Singapore has not had a local case of polio since 1973. |
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Ministry's Advice |
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Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease affecting
mainly infants and young children. More than 90% infections are asymptomatic,
while 4 - 8% present with common symptoms like fever, headache and loss of
appetite or sore throat. Paralysis occurs in less than 1% of infections. |
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The best protection against polio is to be
vaccinated. In Singapore, infants are immunised against polio at age three,
four and five months with booster doses given at 18 months of age, and in
Primary One and Six. The polio vaccine is available at polyclinics, GPs, as
well as travelers clinics. |
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MOH strongly encourages parents to ensure that
their children have completed their vaccinations against polio. If this is not
the case, "catch-up" immunisation should be arranged with their family doctors
or at the polyclinics as soon as possible. If in doubt, consult the doctor for
advice on whether your child requires immunization. |
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As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health
also recommends that people traveling to countries with reported polio cases
check their personal immunisation records prior to travel if they are
traveling to affected areas. If in doubt, they should consult their doctors
regarding the need for vaccination. |
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Polio is spread mainly via the faecal-oral route.
Travelers to affected areas should also continue to observe good personal and
food hygiene practices. For more information, please see the
FAQs on polio on the MOH website. |
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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg Press Release 27 May 2005 |
Poliomyelitis - important to ensure all children are
vaccinated
