Disease Information
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. Polio has been eliminated from the United States thanks to widespread polio vaccination in this country. However, the virus has been brought into the country by travelers with polio. It takes only one traveler with polio to bring the disease into the United States. The best way to keep the United States polio-free is to maintain high immunity (protection) in the population against polio through vaccination.
Disease Reporting
What is required?
Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories
Health care providers and clinical laboratories are
required by law to report cases and suspect cases of polio to local health departments
immediately, day or night, after identification. Call 971-673-1111 to reach the state health department doctor on call.
For Local Health Departments
For reportable diseases lacking Oregon-specific investigative guidelines or case report forms, please contact the epidemiologist on call for assistance at 971-673-1111.
See Also