Summary about Disease
Poliomyelitis, often called polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. The virus enters the body through the mouth, multiplying in the intestine. It can then invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis. While there is no cure for polio, it is preventable through vaccination.
Symptoms
Most people with polio don't have any symptoms.
Non-paralytic polio (abortive polio): These symptoms are flu-like and can include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, fatigue, back pain or stiffness, neck pain or stiffness, and pain or stiffness in the arms or legs.
Paralytic polio: In a small proportion of cases, the poliovirus causes paralysis. Initial symptoms are similar to non-paralytic polio, followed by:
Loss of reflexes
Severe muscle aches or weakness
Loose and floppy limbs (flaccid paralysis), often worse on one side of the body
Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS): Can occur decades after the initial infection, causing new muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain.
Causes
Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus. The virus enters the body through the mouth, usually from:
Person-to-person contact: Spread through direct contact with someone infected with the virus.
Contaminated food or water: Less commonly, the virus can be spread through contaminated food or water, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Fecal-oral route: The virus lives in an infected person's throat and intestines. It spreads when infected feces are introduced into the mouth of another person through contaminated hands or objects.
Medicine Used
There is no cure for polio. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing complications.
Pain relievers: To alleviate muscle pain and headaches.
Physical therapy: To improve muscle strength and function.
Ventilator: Needed in cases of paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
Antibiotics: To treat secondary infections.
Vaccination: There are two types of vaccine to prevent the spread of Polio which include the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV), and the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV).
Is Communicable
Yes, poliomyelitis is highly communicable. It spreads easily from person to person, primarily through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, through oral-oral transmission.
Precautions
Vaccination: The most important precaution is to be fully vaccinated against polio.
Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food.
Sanitation: Ensure access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation to prevent the spread of the virus through contaminated sources.
Avoid Contact: Avoid close contact with individuals known to be infected with the poliovirus.
Travel Considerations: If traveling to areas where polio is still present, ensure you are up-to-date on your polio vaccination.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a polio outbreak can vary significantly depending on factors such as the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, public health measures implemented, and the level of sanitation in the affected area. Outbreaks can last for several months to years if not properly controlled.
How is it diagnosed?
Poliomyelitis is diagnosed based on:
Medical history and physical examination: Assessing symptoms, vaccination status, and physical signs of paralysis.
Laboratory tests:
Stool samples: To detect the presence of the poliovirus.
Throat swabs: To detect the poliovirus.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: In cases of suspected paralytic polio, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to analyze the CSF for signs of infection or inflammation.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: Typically 6-20 days, with a range of 3-35 days.
Non-paralytic polio (abortive polio): Symptoms usually last 2-10 days.
Paralytic polio: Paralysis can develop within days of initial symptoms. It can progress rapidly over a few days or weeks, then stabilizes.
Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS): Can appear 15-40 years after the initial polio infection.
Important Considerations
Global Eradication Efforts: Polio is targeted for global eradication through vaccination campaigns.
Vaccination is Key: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio and protect individuals and communities from the disease.
Public Health Surveillance: Continued surveillance is essential to detect and respond to polio cases and outbreaks.
Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS): Individuals who had polio should be aware of the potential for PPS and seek medical care if new symptoms develop.
International Travel: Travelers to polio-affected countries should ensure they are fully vaccinated and take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.