Global progress toward laboratory containment of wild polioviruses, June 2001

When the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis in 1988, the estimated number of polio cases was 350,000; in 2000, approximately 3000 cases were reported. Two World Health Organization (WHO) regions (the Americas and Western Pacific) have been certified as polio-free, and a third (European Region) has been free of indigenous wild poliovirus transmission for nearly 3 years (3 years are required for WHO certification). As interruption of wild poliovirus circulation approaches, public health agencies are increasing efforts to minimize the risk for reintroduction of wild polioviruses from laboratory sources. This report describes the global plan for containing laboratory wild polioviruses and summarizes the steps being taken toward implementation.