Return of poliomyelitis: A real risk in a country afflicted by scientific denialism

Heslley Machado Silva

doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126449

Return of poliomyelitis: A real risk in a country afflicted by scientific denialism

Vaccine. 2025 Jan 12:44:126449. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126449. Epub 2024 Oct 18.

Author

Heslley Machado Silva¹

Affiliation

¹ State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG) and University Center of Formiga (UNIFORMG), Flor de Liz Street, 117, Ibirité City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 39426934
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126449

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy fueled by ignorance, negativity, and false information on social media affects public health globally. Brazil's decline in vaccination, influenced by denialism and misinformation, increases the risk of polio reintroduction in Latin America. Combatting scientific Fake News is crucial to prevent irreversible consequences to public health.

Keywords: Brazil; Neglect; Polio; Population; Vaccine.

Publication types

Letter

MeSH terms

Brazil / epidemiology
Denial, Psychological
Humans
Poliomyelitis* / epidemiology
Poliomyelitis* / prevention & control
Poliovirus Vaccines / administration & dosage
Public Health
Social Media
Vaccination Hesitancy / psychology
Vaccination Hesitancy / statistics & numerical data
Vaccination* / psychology

Substances

Poliovirus Vaccines