The Health Service Executive said the chances of contracting polio in the Republic are 'very small'. Photograph: Getty ImagesA global resurgence of polio “poses a risk” to Irelands polio-free status, the State’s infectious diseases watchdog has said. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under five years of age. In an update on its website, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said the highest number of polio cases in the Republic was recorded in 1956 when 499 cases were detected. Following the introduction of the polio vaccine, the number of cases declined and the last reported case was in 1984.

Source: The Irish Times February 23, 2026 17:31 UTC