Scientists believe the world's first cases of polio occurred about 5,000 years ago in Egypt, but now that nation has apparently eradicated the virus.
The Geneva-based World Health Organization says no new cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in Egypt during the past year, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday.
The WHO, pending a final review, is expected to announce next week that Egypt and Niger have eradicated the disease, leaving only four nations that have yet to stop transmission: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Only one disease affecting humans, smallpox, has ever been completely eradicated, the Globe said.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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