Countering the posteradication threat of smallpox and polio

After eradication, there is a small but finite risk that smallpox and/or po liomyelitis viruses could accidentally escape from a laboratory or be relea sed intentionally. The reintroduction of either virus into a highly suscept ible population could develop into a serious catastrophe. To counter such a n occurrence will require the use of vaccine, perhaps in substantial quanti ties. In the United States, new stocks of smallpox vaccine are being procur ed and arrangements are being made for a standby production facility. Simil ar provisions need to be considered for polio. To counter an epidemic of po lio will require the use of the oral vaccine, which is presently the World Health Organization-recommended vaccine of choice for countries throughout the developing world. In these countries, its continued use is advised beca use of its ability to induce intestinal immunity, its ability to spread to other susceptible household members and to protect them, its ease of admini stration, and its low cost.