Polio (Poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. 

Most people infected with poliovirus have no symptoms. Polio can cause weakness and paralysis of the arms, legs, and breathing muscles. Polio usually begins with a mild illness, characterized by symptoms like fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, and feeling weak for several days. The next phase is a symptom-free period for up to three days. This is followed by rapid onset of paralysis, usually of the arms or legs. For the small group of people who develop paralysis due to polio, it can result in permanent disability and even death. There is no treatment for polio.

Polio primarily affects unvaccinated children, but anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the virus is at risk of developing severe illness if exposed. The polio vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the disease. In recent years, global vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the number of polio cases worldwide. Polio is still a concern in countries that do not have access to the vaccine.

 

Scientific term

  • Many people infected with the polio virus do not develop symptoms.
  • A quarter of infected people have flu-like symptoms for two to five days, including:
    • Fever
    • Tiredness
    • Nausea
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Muscle aches
  • A small percentage of infected people develop serious symptoms affecting the brain and spinal cord:
    • Paralysis or weakness of the arms and legs
    • Stiffness in the neck and back
    • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • In some cases, polio can lead to permanent paralysis and disability.
  • Limb paralysis can improve over time. In some people, new muscle pain and weakness may develop 15 to 40 years later. This is called “post-polio syndrome.”

 

 

 

Transmission

Polio is found in the stool and saliva of people who are infected. Polio spreads easily when a person puts something in their mouth that has infected feces or saliva on or in it. It can also happen from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

 

Scientific term

  • Poliomyelitis

Generic term

  • Polio

Age groups at risk

  • All

Vaccine Information

In our internationally connected world, polio is only a plane ride away. The best way to be protected against polio is through the immunization of all children. Learn more about the polio vaccination on the DOH vaccine webpage.

 

  • Polio Vaccine (Department of health)
  • Polio (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

 

Additional Information

Polio as a Notifiable Condition

CDC Information on Polio

  • Polio (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)