Polio Fact Sheet

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects young children and can lead to paralysis or even death in severe cases. Polio spreads through contaminated food, water, and direct contact with an infected person. While most cases are asymptomatic or mild, the disease can attack the nervous system, causing irreversible paralysis. Vaccination has significantly reduced polio cases worldwide, but it remains a public health concern in some regions.

Causes and Transmission
  • Virus: Caused by the poliovirus, which targets the nervous system.
  • Fecal-Oral Route: The primary mode of transmission is consuming food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person.
  • Person-to-Person Spread: Close contact with an infected individual, including respiratory droplets, can also transmit the virus.
  • Asymptomatic Carriers: Many infected individuals show no symptoms but can still spread the virus.
Symptoms of Polio

Polio symptoms appear 3 to 35 days after infection and can range from mild to severe, including:

  • Fever: Low to high fever, often with flu-like symptoms.
  • Sore Throat and Fatigue: Early signs resembling common viral infections.
  • Headache and Muscle Pain: Mild muscle aches, stiffness, and discomfort.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive symptoms, including diarrhea in some cases.
  • Stiff Neck and Back Pain: Indicative of viral invasion of the central nervous system.
  • Paralysis: In severe cases, polio can cause irreversible muscle weakness, often in the legs or respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties.
Prevention
  • Polio Vaccine: The most effective way to prevent polio. Both oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are used worldwide.
  • Improved Sanitation: Proper waste disposal and access to clean water reduce the risk of transmission.
  • Handwashing: Regular handwashing with soap and clean water helps prevent the spread.
  • Hygienic Food Practices: Avoiding potentially contaminated food and drinks in high-risk areas.
Treatment of Polio
  • No Cure: There is no cure for polio; treatment focuses on symptom relief and supportive care.
  • Physical Therapy: Helps improve muscle function and reduce long-term complications.
  • Pain Management: Medications like analgesics help with muscle pain and discomfort.
  • Ventilator Support: Severe cases affecting respiratory muscles may require ventilators or iron lungs.
Polio Around the World

Polio has been nearly eradicated thanks to global vaccination efforts. However, it remains endemic in a few countries, and outbreaks still occur where vaccination rates are low. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) continue to work towards complete eradication of the disease.

Helpful Resources