Polio, once a disease that struck fear across the world, has been eradicated in many countries thanks to widespread vaccination. However, it continues to resurge in certain regions. How much do you really know about polio?

LG Chem presents the True or False series, a content series that addresses common misunderstandings and questions about diseases related to LG Chem’s products. Today, we explore five key questions about polio and uncover the facts.

Q1. Does the polio virus mainly spread through contaminated water?

True: Polio is a viral disease transmitted mainly through oral infection. It typically spreads through the consumption of contaminated water or food and can easily propagate in unhygienic environments. The virus is excreted through the feces of infected individuals, and if basic hygiene practices such as handwashing are not properly followed, the infection can spread rapidly. While most cases are asymptomatic, in some instances, the virus affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Therefore, blocking transmission routes is crucial. In addition to vaccination, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is the most fundamental way to prevent the spread of polio.

Q2. Has polio been completely eradicated?

False: In 1988, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Polio Eradication Resolution, which led to the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the international community. As a result, global polio cases have decreased by more than 99%, and unlike the past when approximately 350,000 cases were reported annually across more than 125 countries, today, cases remain only in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

However, because polio is a highly contagious viral disease, even a single case can pose a risk of global spread among children. Therefore, not only complete eradication but also continued vaccination and surveillance efforts are essential.

Q3. Does polio only affect children?

False: While polio most commonly affects children under the age of 5, it is a viral disease that can infect anyone, regardless of age. In particular, unvaccinated adults remain at risk, and in some cases, symptoms may be even more severe than in children.

Most countries, including the United States, recommend additional vaccination for adults who plan to visit or stay long-term in high-risk countries, even if they were vaccinated in childhood and have existing immunity. For example, healthcare workers, international humanitarian aid workers, business travelers, and long-term residents are advised to strengthen their immunity through the IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) for protection.

Q4. Is it true that polio cannot be cured?

True: Polio is a disease caused by infection with the poliovirus, and there is currently no cure that can eliminate the virus. Once paralysis occurs after infection, full recovery is difficult, and some patients suffer long-term physical aftereffects that can restrict their daily activities.

Treatment for polio focuses on supportive treatments aimed at aiding recovery and preventing complications. These include physical therapy, the use of respiratory support devices, maintaining appropriate physical activity, and nutrition management.

Meanwhile, Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is also a disease that is difficult to cure. PPS refers to the reappearance of symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain decades after a person has suffered from polio. It occurs as the damaged neural cells gradually lose their function over time. Like polio itself, PPS has no complete cure and can only be managed through treatments aimed at alleviating the symptoms.

Therefore, preventing polio itself is the most effective means of protection, and it is crucial to block it at the initial stage through vaccination.

Q5. Is polio 100% preventable with vaccination?

False: The polio vaccine shows over 98% effectiveness when administered more than three times. However, like all vaccines, it does not guarantee 100% prevention, making it important to achieve herd immunity through a high vaccination rate. In addition, in regions with low vaccination coverage, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) may occur in rare cases, requiring ongoing surveillance and response efforts.

Currently, polio vaccines are largely divided into oral live polio vaccines (OPV) and injectable inactivated polio vaccines (IPV), and depending on regional conditions and policies, both types may be used together. OPV enables large-scale vaccination at low cost and is widely used in developing countries, but in environments with low immunity, it can rarely cause mutations and related issues. Consequently, the shift toward IPV-centered strategies is growing, and maintaining a globally balanced vaccination approach has become increasingly important.

Although polio once struck humanity with fear, it has disappeared from many countries thanks to vaccination and advancements in public hygiene. However, it is still too early to declare its eradication. Polio continues to exist in some regions, and low vaccination rates could lead to new outbreaks.

LG Chem has obtained temporary containment certification from the WHO for its homegrown polio vaccine, ‘Eupolio,’ and is contributing to securing a stable global vaccine supply chain through a supply agreement with UNICEF. Moving forward, LG Chem will continue to provide sustainable life sciences solutions that help protect lives and promote global health.

Reference:
– World Health Organization (WHO), “Poliomyelitis – Fact Sheet”, https://www.who.int
– Global Polio Eradication Initiative, “Polio FAQs”, https://polioeradication.org
– Mayo Clinic, “Polio – Symptoms & Causes”, https://www.mayoclinic.org