This is an alarming public health issue. Timely intervention is vital to prevent a potential outbreak. Here’s what can be done:
1. Vaccination Campaigns: Start an urgent immunization campaign against polio for all children under the age of five. Specific focus should be given to children living in high-risk areas.
2. Awareness Efforts: Implement comprehensive awareness programs to educate the population about the importance of sanitation, hygiene, and vaccination.
3. Improving Sanitation: Work to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure and practices, which can help limit polio transmission.
4. Surveillance: Increase surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to detect cases of polio if there are any.
5. Collaboration: Collaborate with various stakeholders and international public health organizations to mobilize resources and expertise.
Remember, Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that mostly affects children under five and can cause permanent paralysis or death. Yet, it is preventable through immunization.