The Latest Breaking News from Polio

Public health officials want to see higher vaccination rates

Fears of polio gripped the U.S. in the mid-20th century. Parents were afraid to send their children to birthday parties, public pools or any place where children mingled. Children in wheelchairs served as a stark reminder of the ravages of the disease.

Adults who doubt they have been fully vaccinated against polio should talk to their doctors about getting additional shots, experts say.

In July, a young man in the New York area was diagnosed with polio – how did a disease America snuffed out in the 70s rebound?

As polio makes a comeback, Minda Dentler reflects on her life with the disease. Paralyzed as an infant in India, she's gone on to become a champion wheelchair triathlete and an immunization advocate.

A case of polio in an unvaccinated man was recently announced in New York state, followed by the discovery of polio in wastewater in New York City. That means a vaccine-preventable disease has re-emerged in the United States, one of the world’s most resource-rich countries, more than 40 years after…

Polio is spreading in a few New York counties with low vaccination rates. Experts warn that other places in the U.S. could face the same challenge.

There are a significant number of babies and children at risk of polio, especially in areas of high deprivation and among Māori, with an outbreak a plane ride away, says Heather Battles

Until recently, polio had only been detected in a handful of countries, thanks to global eradication efforts.