31/12/2025
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a contagious viral disease that invades the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis and death, though most infections are mild or asymptomatic.
It spreads through contaminated food, water, or respiratory droplets, primarily affecting children under 5. While large-scale vaccination has nearly eradicated the wild virus, circulating vaccine-derived strains remain a concern, making high vaccination rates crucial for prevention, as there's no cure, only prevention through the WHO recommended polio vaccines.
Symptoms
Most cases:
No symptoms or mild flu-like signs (fever, headache, sore throat, vomiting, fatigue).
Severe cases:
Muscle weakness, spasms, pain, stiffness, tingling, progressing to irreversible paralysis, often in legs, and potential breathing failure.
Causes & Transmission
Cause: Poliovirus (types 1, 2, 3).
Transmission: Fecal-oral route (contaminated hands, food, water) or respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing).
Prevention & Treatment
Prevention: Polio vaccines (Oral Polio Vaccine - OPV & Inactivated Polio Vaccine - IPV) are highly effective and the best defense, protecting for life.
Hygiene: Handwashing with safe water and promoting safe food/water practices help.
Treatment: No cure, focus is on supportive care for symptoms and preventing spread.
Global Status
Wild polio is nearly gone (only Pakistan & Afghanistan have ongoing transmission).
Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVDPV) is a risk in low-vaccination areas, emphasizing the need for community-wide immunity.
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