“I want to thank the Rockland County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health for their efforts to quickly identify and contain the first case of polio in the USA since 2013 right here in our county. Based on their investigation, it is believed that the case originated in a location outside of the USA. At these times, I am grateful to have the very best public health professionals on the local and state levels.
Polio is a serious but preventable virus. Those who are vaccinated, including all who have had their polio vaccine as part of the required immunization schedule for schoolchildren, are at lower risk of contracting polio. If you are not already vaccinated, I encourage you to refer to the public health authorities and schedule a vaccination appointment as soon as you can, either at your healthcare provider or at one of the county-run clinics as early as tomorrow.”