Recent Polio studies have shown that a four-fold increase in polio has been reported in Nigeria, with the disease spreading to other countries, a World Health Organisation official says.
Forty-three Polio cases were reported in Niger ia this year, compared to 11 last year, the official, Thomas Moran, said.
Curbing the polio virus in Nigeria is key to eradicating the crippling disease in Africa, he said.
In 2003, northern Nigeria's Muslim leaders leaders opposed vaccinations, claiming they could cause infertility.
Nigeria is one of four countries in the world - along with Pakistan, India and Afghanistan - where polio is still a major health risk.
Polio
Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus which invades the nervous system and may cause irreversible paralysis.
Polio was affecting eight northern Nigerian states - two more than a few months ago, the head of Nigeria's National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA), Dr Ado Muhammad, told the BBC.
It can strike at any age but mainly affects children under five. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
As long as a single child remains infected with polio, unvaccinated children in all countries are at risk
"The immunity profile of Nigerian children is far better [now], which limits the risk of international spread of the virus," Mr Moran said.
He also stressed that the number of children affected remained low.
"You can call it a four-fold increase but it is still very low transmission in a country as large as Nigeria with almost 50m children under five," he said.
Let's help the Nigerian Child Today so they Can be as strong as a Giant Eagle tomorrow.
Culled From BBC
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