Summary about Disease
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. It can then invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. In severe cases, paralysis can spread to the muscles that control breathing, leading to death.
Symptoms
Most people infected with polio have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and flu-like, including:
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Stiff neck
Muscle pain In rare cases, polio can cause paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent.
Causes
Polio is caused by the poliovirus. There are three types of poliovirus (types 1, 2, and 3). The virus is transmitted through:
Person-to-person contact (fecal-oral route)
Contaminated food or water
Medicine Used
There is no cure for polio. Treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This may include:
Pain relievers
Physical therapy
Respiratory support (if needed) Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio.
Is Communicable
Yes, polio is highly communicable. It is most contagious before the onset of paralysis but can still be spread for a period after symptoms appear.
Precautions
The most important precaution against polio is vaccination. Other precautions include:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
Ensuring food and water are safe and uncontaminated.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a polio outbreak can vary depending on several factors, including the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and public health interventions. Outbreaks can last for several months or even years if the virus is not contained through widespread immunization.
How is it diagnosed?
Polio is diagnosed based on:
Symptoms
Laboratory tests: Testing of stool samples to identify the poliovirus. In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may also be tested.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation Period: 3-6 days(range is 3 to 35 days) from infection to onset of initial symptoms.
Initial Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, muscle pain) may appear within a few days of infection.
Non-Paralytic Polio: Symptoms may resolve within a week or two.
Paralytic Polio: Paralysis typically develops within a week of the onset of initial symptoms. It can progress rapidly, reaching maximum extent within a few days.
Important Considerations
Polio can cause permanent disability or death.
Vaccination is crucial for eradication efforts.
Even non-paralytic polio can lead to long-term complications.
Post-polio syndrome can occur decades after the initial infection, causing new muscle weakness and fatigue.