Overview
Definition
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a very contagious disease caused by infection with a virus. While some infected people show no symptoms, others can develop paralysis (because the virus affects the parts of the nervous system controlling muscle function) and may die.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- fever
- tiredness
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- severe muscle pain and spasms
- stiffness of the neck and back
- weakness of one or more arms or legs
- paralysis of the face and neck
- paralysis of breathing muscles
Causes
- Polio is caused by three types of polio virus.
- It is spread from person-to-person.
- The virus lives in the bowel movements (stool) of infected people.
- If stool contaminates the hands, water or food, others can become infected.
Complications
Polio causes permanent paralysis (usually in the legs) in 1 of every 200 people infected.
Among those paralysed, 5-10% die when their breathing muscles stop working.
Treatment and Drugs
There is no cure for polio. Polio is prevented by vaccination and sanitary measures (see below).
Prevention
Immunization with polio vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease.
Last Updated: June 17, 2009
