The last polio case was detected in Peru, in September 1991.

In 1994, the region of the Americas certified polio free of the highly infectious disease affecting the central nervous system and causing acute flaccid paralysis.

Although most infections have no symptoms, in one in 200 cases, the virus can cause permanent paralysis of the legs or arms.

PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa stated that reaching such a milestone is not easy, as it requires a lot of work, commitment, and perseverance from thousands of health workers, researchers, partners, and all responsible for vaccinating their children.

Barbosa warned that as long as the poliovirus remains in other parts of the world, immunization, and adequate surveillance must stand at high levels to detect any polio import.

Experts stated that cases due to poliovirus worldwide have decreased by more than 99 percent since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to only two endemic nations: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

However, the wild poliovirus does not respect borders and can find groups of unvaccinated or under-immunized children, which can lead to outbreaks.

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