The deadly polio virus has returned to Venezuela 30 years after being eradicated, as the country’s health care system struggles under a nationwide economic crash.
The case—the first since 1989—was reported in the eastern state of Delta Amacuro and comes alongside additional spikes in diphtheria, tuberculosis, measles and malaria infections, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Polio is a serious viral infection and, for up to 1 in every 100 people affected, can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. It is spread by consuming food or water contaminated with infected fecal matter. There is no cure for the potentially deadly illness, making vaccination vital. Global healthcare efforts mean there have only been 10 confirmed new cases globally this year: eight in Afghanistan and two in Pakistan...
http://www.newsweek.com/polio-returns-venezuela-crisis-cripples-health-care-system-969096
