UNS — In early January 2024, Klaten Regency in Central Java Province was declared by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia as an Extraordinary Case (KLB) area for polio. This followed the discovery of one positive case of polio in the regency. In response to this incident, Pediatric Specialist at the Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Hospital, Dr. Debby Andina Landiasari, Sp.A., shared tips for preventing polio.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by the polio virus. The disease attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis and even death. The polio virus is transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the virus. “The polio virus enters the digestive system and then the nervous system, which can cause paralysis,” Dr. Debby explained on Thursday (11/1/2024).
Polio can be prevented by receiving polio immunization according to the schedule. The Ministry of Health provides free polio immunization at all government health facilities. The immunization includes oral polio vaccine (OPV) at the ages of one month, two months, three months, four months, and injectable polio vaccine (IPV) given at four months and nine months.
So, what are the consequences if a child is not immunized against polio? Dr. Debby conveyed that if a child does not receive polio immunization, the child will be more vulnerable to polio, which can lead to paralysis. Second, non-immunized children are at high risk of becoming a source of polio transmission to others. Third, inadequate immunization coverage can increase the occurrence of polio outbreaks.
The outbreak in Klaten occurred due to incomplete polio immunization and complete immunization in malnourished or nutritionally imbalanced children. Then, what are the risk factors for polio transmission? The risk factors for polio transmission include low polio immunization coverage, poor environmental cleanliness, and poor hygiene practices. Additionally, there is still the issue of individuals practicing open defecation in rivers or water sources used daily.
Preventive measures to avoid polio transmission include ensuring that a child receives complete polio immunization according to age, which consists of four doses of oral polio vaccine and two doses of injectable polio vaccine before the age of one. Second, it is adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle, such as using proper sanitation facilities and washing hands before eating and after urination or defecation. “Third, immediately report to health officials if you find a child with symptoms of paralysis,” Dr. Debby concluded. HUMAS UNS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
