DESPITE being declared as a polio-free country, families are encouraged to get their children a polio vaccination.
Rotary Club Walingwaling Davao past president doctor Mae Dolendo, who was a guest during weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw last Friday, October 19, at SM City Davao, said when families do not continue to prevent the disease through vaccination there will be another chance that the disease will make a comeback and become virulent.
"If Polio resurges they will contribute to about 200,000 cases of Polio every year," Dolendo said.
Polio has no cure but it can be prevented through vaccination.
Polio or Poliomyelitis is an infectious viral disease that usually affects young children. The virus is transmitted by person to another person. It can be obtained from contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the digestive system especially in the intestine. It can invade the nerves and in major cases can cause paralysis.
Symptoms of polio include headache, fever, fatigue, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and limb pain.
To further raise awareness on polio, the Rotary District 3860 under Area 2 will organize the "One Rotary. One End Polio Advocacy Walk" in collaboration with Holiday Gym at 5 A.M. The advocacy walk will be on October 24, 2018 Wednesday. The proceeds will be donated to End Polio fund of Rotary. The event is open to all interested to join the walk. Registration fee is P300. (RJC)