Polio Outbreak Declared in Gaza: What is Polio? How will it spread?

Margaret Harris, a spokesman for the World Health Organization (WHO), said the war has nullified past efforts to eradicate polio.

Polio cases have declined 99% worldwide since 1988, thanks to mass vaccination campaigns.

“The majority of polio, 75%, is probably asymptomatic. The problem is that if it becomes severe, there is a possibility that paralysis or death will remain for the rest of your life,” she said.

Her remarks are in response to the declaration of an outbreak of polio in the Gaza Strip where sewerage and water supply systems were destroyed in a war that spanned more than 9 months. On Friday, WHO announced that it would send about 1 million doses of vaccine to the Gaza Strip.

However, Harris said “a cease-fire is necessary” in order to get children vaccinated.