With polio back, DOH chief reminds parents: Complete vaccination, ensure proper hygiene

As the Philippines no longer has a polio-free status, the Department of Health (DOH) reminds parents of their responsibility to prevent their child from catching the disease.

Interviewed on Unang Balita on Friday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stressed that polio vaccination provides children with the best protection.

"Kinakailangang siguraduhin na sa loob ng isang taong-gulang ng inyong mga anak , kumpleto na ang bakuna sa polio," Duque said,

"Tatlong pagbabakuna 'yan. Two doses each at two drops per dose, at magkaroon ng pang-apat. Ito yung inoculated poliovirus vaccine para siguradong mabigyan ng sapat na proteksiyon."

Poliovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or, less commonly, through contaminated food and water.

Duque reminded parents about other preventive measures that are as basic as proper hand-washing and refraining from open defecation, as people carrying the poliovirus can also spread the virus in their feces.

"Kinakailangan din ang malinis na personal hygeine at sanitation, naghuhugas ng kamay...hindi minamadali dahil ito ay madaling makapagpaiwas ng polio at iba pang mga sakit," Duque said.

"'Yung pag-iiwas sa open defacation, kung saan-saan nagbabawas, kasi...ang simula ng pagkalat ng polio virus ay through fecal, oral contamination," he added.

At its worst, Polio can cause nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty in breathing and, at times, death.

The DOH announced the disease's reemergence to the country after the case of a three-year-old girl in Lanao del Sur was confirmed.

The government has vowed to launch a series of synchronized oral polio vaccinations for children under 5 years old in Metro Manila, Davao, and Lanao del Sur starting October 14, 2019. —KBK, GMA News