Polio (Poliomyelitis)

Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It can lead to paralysis, disability, and even death. The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route or through contaminated food and water.

What is Polio?

Polio is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and other complications. There are three types of poliovirus: PV1, PV2, and PV3. The most common type is PV1, which is responsible for the majority of polio cases.

Symptoms of Polio

The symptoms of polio can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Mild symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
• Severe symptoms:
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Respiratory failure
  • Cardiac problems
  • Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Types of Polio

There are three types of polio:

• Non-paralytic polio: This is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of cases. It is characterized by mild symptoms and does not lead to paralysis.
• Paralytic polio: This type accounts for about 1-2% of cases and can cause muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Bulbar polio: This is a rare and severe form of paralytic polio that affects the brainstem, leading to respiratory failure and other complications.

Treatments for Polio

There is no cure for polio, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:

• Supportive care: This includes bed rest, pain management, and physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility.
• Ventilatory support: Patients with respiratory failure may require mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and strength in affected muscles.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help patients adapt to any permanent disabilities or limitations.
• Vaccination: The polio vaccine is the most effective way to prevent polio. There are two types of polio vaccines: the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).

Prevention of Polio

Prevention is key to controlling the spread of polio. Measures include:

• Vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio.
• Good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and properly disposing of human waste, can help prevent the spread of the virus.
• Avoiding contaminated food and water: Avoiding contaminated food and water, especially in areas where polio is common, can help reduce the risk of infection.
• Improving sanitation and hygiene infrastructure: Improving sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, such as providing access to clean water and proper waste disposal, can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Eradication Efforts

The global effort to eradicate polio is led by the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, and other partners. The goal is to stop the transmission of the virus and certify the world as polio-free. Significant progress has been made, with the number of cases decreasing by over 99% since the launch of global eradication efforts in 1988.