New York: New York Governor Cathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency on Friday in an effort to speed up the process of vaccinating residents, after the polio virus was found in wastewater samples taken in four counties.

Hochul's executive order comes after the virus was found in samples from Nassau County on Long Island, which borders the borough of Queens in New York City, last month. Earlier this year the virus was discovered in samples from counties north of the city, including Sullivan, Orange and Rockland.

According to the state health department, an adult in Rockland County tested positive for polio in July, marking the first confirmed case of the disease in the country in nearly a decade.

In a statement, State Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said, "On polio, we can't just roll the dice." "The risk of paralytic disease is real if you or your child has not been vaccinated or are not up to date on your vaccinations."

In rare instances, polio can result in irreversible paralysis, but it is preventable due to the 1955 vaccine. Despite the fact that there is no known cure, three injections of the vaccine give almost 100% immunity.

Although all ages are at risk, children three and younger are most affected by the virus.

Officials recommended lifelong booster shots for people who had already received the vaccine, as well as for adults who had not received the shot and for children under two months of age.

To increase vaccination rates, Hochul's announcement allows paramedics, midwives and pharmacists to receive polio vaccination. Additionally, the order directs health professionals to provide updated vaccination data to the state.

The state of emergency will remain in place till October 9. Health officials have set a target of 90% of residents receiving the vaccination.
According to the state health department, people in New York City, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Nassau counties are most at risk.

The state Department of Health reports that Orange County has one of the lowest vaccination rates among counties of concern, with less than 59% of the population receiving their shots.

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