Poliovirus Found in Rockland County Wastewater for the First Time Since October
Residents of Rockland County have been urged to take action to protect themselves against the poliovirus after it was detected in wastewater samples collected from a local treatment plant. According to the Rockland County Department of Health, this is the first time since October that the virus has been found in the region’s wastewater.
Although poliovirus has largely been eradicated worldwide, outbreaks continue to occur in some countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that unvaccinated individuals are at risk of contracting polio if they come into contact with an infected person.
Vaccination Urged, Especially with Increased Travel Expected Over Passover
To safeguard against the spread of the virus in Rockland County, health officials are reminding residents to vaccinate themselves and their children. Infants and preschool-aged children who are behind on their inoculations are particularly at risk.
Residents who completed their polio vaccination series as children may receive a one-time booster dose of the polio vaccine. The Rockland County Department of Health is offering free polio booster clinics for those who qualify. Additionally, the department is providing Inactivated Polio Vaccine for any New York resident who requires it.
With Passover approaching, health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated before traveling – especially as travel between Rockland County and Israel is expected to increase over the holiday period.
Jewish Leaders Criticize New York State Health Department for Polio Ad Truck
In Long Island neighborhoods, an LED truck carrying a message from the New York State Health Department encouraged residents to get immunized with claims that “Polio is spreading in Israel.” However, Jewish leaders expressed outrage at what they characterized as perpetuation of anti-Semitic stereotypes.
State Assemblyman Ari Brown and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, among others, sharply criticized the ad. Brown pointed out historical instances of Jews being blamed for spreading diseases, including during the Holocaust. Blakeman labeled the message in the ad as “disturbing.”
New York State Health Department Discontinues Polio Vaccine Campaign
The New York State Health Department launched a polio vaccine campaign in response to four children in Israel testing positive for poliovirus. The campaign included a truck with a billboard displaying the message “Polio is spreading in Israel. Get immunized now.”
However, some members of the Jewish community accused the department of stoking anti-Semitism by suggesting that Jews were responsible for the spread of disease. Opponents included State Assemblyman Ari Brown and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
On Tuesday, the New York State Health Department discontinued the campaign due to community complaints. The department stated that it remains committed to serving New York State’s diverse communities and condemned anti-Semitism.
In conclusion, as cases of poliovirus continue to surface around the world, it is crucial that residents take steps to protect themselves and their communities. With various vaccination options available, residents are urged to stay informed and consult with medical professionals to help stop the spread of this preventable disease.
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