[Poliomyelitis in Italy and throughout the world. The epidemiologic situation]

The latest WHO figures on the epidemiology of poliomyelitis make it clear that there are areas, such as Italy, where vaccination programmes are put into effect continuously and on a comprehensive scale, and other areas where such programmes have not yet been introduced. The disease has been eradicated in the former, whereas its position is unchanged in the latter. A point of epidemiological interest is that in countries with general vaccination programmes there has been a shift towards younger age groups with regard to both the morbidity and the mortality rate for polio. The view is expressed that generalised programmes should be introduced with suitable international aid in countries where such steps have not so far been taken, and that they should in no way be interrupted or restricted in countries where the disease has been defected, since this leads to its reappearance.