Poliomyelitis

It is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease caused by three types of poliovirus. Currently, thanks to vaccination, it is a non-existent disease in our environment.

The polio virus is characterized by destroying the nervous system (infecting the brain and spinal cord) causing paralysis. Most infected people have a mild infection or with very few symptoms. Approximately 2% of those infected can develop paralysis with significant sequelae.

Causes

Polio is caused by a virus that is highly contagious. It most often affects babies and young children. Poliovirus infections are more common during the summer and fall seasons, and the risk of paralysis increases with age.

Transmission of the poliovirus occurs most frequently through the oral fecal route. It occurs due to poor hygiene in hand washing or the consumption of contaminated food or water.

Symptoms

The infection can show a variable spectrum of severity. 90-95% of those infected have no symptoms, but they are contagious to other individuals. The most common symptoms of polio are:

• Abortive poliomyelitis: it occurs as a short-term and mild infection and may present: fever, headache, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, sore throat and abdominal pain, and general malaise. Constipation can also be present.
• Nonparalytic polio: The symptoms of nonparalytic polio are the same as abortive polio, but the headache, nausea, and vomiting may be worse. In addition, severe muscle pain and neck stiffness appear late.
• Paralytic poliomyelitis: the symptoms are the same as the previous ones but it is added: generalized muscle weakness, severe constipation, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, hoarseness and muscle paralysis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis requires a thorough medical examination and cultures to isolate the virus.

Treatment

The best treatment is prevention through universal vaccination of all children. There is no specific or curative treatment once the individual is infected. Treatment is given to relieve symptoms: pain control with pain relievers, rest, and a light diet.

Complications of paralytic polio can include permanent paralysis of certain muscle groups, including the respiratory muscles. Polio remains a common disease in some developing countries, mainly in parts of Africa and South Asia. Thanks to global efforts to eradicate this disease through childhood vaccination, polio cases have been reduced by more than 99% since 1988.

Any adult or child traveling to less developed countries where polio is still a common disease should consult their doctor or local health department to find out if they need a booster dose.