2006
5 April 2006
The last case of polio that was reported in South Africa was in 1989",
Minister Uys said. "But as long as there are still cases of the poliovirus
elsewhere in the world, polio can be imported to a polio free area such as the
Western Cape," he said.
Polio, however, can be prevented by ensuring that all children under the age
of five are immunised. Minister Uys said polio is a highly infectious and
crippling disease and can lead to permanent lameless, deformity and even death.
Polio cannot be cured.
The polio virus is passed from person to person through unwashed hands,
contaminated food or in situations of poor sanitation. Polio can be suspected
when there is sudden weakness of the leg or arm or both, or other parts of the
body.
Minister Uys urged parents to ensure that children get their polio drops. It
is recommended that these drops are given at birth, six weeks, 10 weeks, 14
weeks, 18 months and five years. Minister Uys said these drops are available at
all our clinics throughout the province.
Minister Uys said his department will be enhancing awareness amongst
healthcare workers and the public in general about the global goal to eradicate
polio. It means that the virus will be wiped out from the face of the earth.
The global eradication of polio involves both the halting of the incidence of
the disease and the worldwide eradication of the virus. The strategy is based
on the premise that the poliovirus will die out if it is deprived of its human
host through immunisation.
Enquiries:
Herman van der Westhuizen
Cell: 082 772 9161
Ms H Isaacs
Tel: (021) 483 5477
E-mail: hisaacs@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
5 April 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
