Poliovirus in Healthcare Settings

Overview of Poliovirus in Healthcare Settings

The last cases of indigenously acquired wild-virus poliomyelitis occurred in the United States in 1979. Since then, all cases of endemic poliomyelitis reported in the United States (5 to 10 endemic cases/year) have been related to the administration of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Although the risk of transmission of poliovirus in the United States is very low, wild poliovirus may potentially be introduced into susceptible populations with low immunization levels.

Background/General Information

These resources may be of use to healthcare professionals:

• Vaccine Information Statements: Inactivated Vaccine (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions About Poliovirus
• CDC Pink Book - Chapter 7. 2000 (Additional reading: About the Pink Book)

Infection Control Topics

• Infection Control Home
• Healthcare-Associated Infections
• Protecting Patients
• Protecting Healthcare Workers
• Infection Control Guidelines
• Infection Control A-Z
• About DHQP