They Shot For Zero, But Couldn’t Squash Polio In 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
As we near the end of 2013, NPR is taking a look at the numbers that tell the story of this year. Numbers that, if you really understand them, give insight into the world we’re living in, right now. Over the next two weeks, you’ll hear the stories behind numbers, ranging from zero to 1 trillion.
The lowest number of polio cases ever recorded in the world during one year was 223. And 2013 was on track for an even lower number.
But this was a year when polio pushed back. Hard. The virus reappeared in Somalia and Syria. It showed up in sewer systems in Israel. It spilled out of Nigeria into Cameroon. Pakistan saw a spike in cases.
Even so, global health officials are still confident that polio can be eradicated soon.
Source: Capital Public Radio (link opens in a new window)
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