Poliomyelitis in the World

The incidence of poliomyelitis in different parts of the world is reviewed, mainly from publications of the World Health Organization. In countries of Europe and North America, and in several countries in other regions, the disease has fallen to insignificant proportions. However, in many countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America the incidence is rising and large outbreaks are being reported from those areas with increasing frequency. Such outbreaks are not yet as extensive as those previously common in Europe and North America before vaccines came into use but they are growing, and the countries concerned may be faced with widespread epidemics in the future. Where regular programmes of vaccination are not possible (as in many of the countries at risk) plans should be made now to control, by the application of appropriate epidemic control measures, the upsurges of poliomyelitis as soon as they are recognized.