- Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus, a member of the enterovirus family. The virus primarily affects children under the age of 5, though anyone who is unvaccinated can contract the disease. It spreads through contaminated water, food, or direct contact with an infected person.
- The poliovirus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestines. From there, it can invade the nervous system and cause irreversible paralysis in a matter of hours. The virus specifically attacks the motor neurons that control muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, permanent paralysis typically affecting the legs.
- Most people infected with poliovirus (about 72%) do not show any visible symptoms. Around 25% of infected individuals experience mild symptoms similar to the flu, including fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. These symptoms usually last 2-5 days and resolve on their own. However, in about 1 in 200 infections, the virus causes permanent paralysis.
- Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that can affect polio survivors decades after their initial infection. PPS is characterized by progressive muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain in previously affected and unaffected muscles. While not life-threatening, PPS can significantly impact quality of life and may require ongoing medical support.
- Thanks to global vaccination efforts, polio cases have decreased by 99% since 1988. The disease has been eliminated from most countries worldwide, though it remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The success of polio eradication efforts demonstrates the effectiveness of vaccination programs and international public health cooperation.
- Treatment for polio focuses on supportive care, as there is no cure for the disease. This may include bed rest, pain management, physical therapy, and in severe cases, assistance with breathing through ventilators. Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective strategy against polio, with both oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) being used in global eradication efforts.
