Overview
Polio is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the polio virus. It used to be a common infection but the number of cases fell dramatically with the introduction of vaccination. It is a rare problem these days.Signs and Symptoms
Fever with temperature rising above 38°C, Headache, Sore throat, Aching and stiff muscles, Loss of reflexes, Floppy limbs, Muscle weakness, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, FatigueCommon Causes
Poliovirus spread through direct contact with someone infected with the poliovirus, contact with faeces of someone infected with polio, inhalation of air droplets when they cough or sneeze, or through contaminated food and waterRisk Factors
Children under the age of 5, Have not had polio vaccine, People travelling to parts of the world such as Asia and Africa where polio still happens, Caretakers of polio infected patients such as health care workersInvestigation Techniques
Medical history, Physical examination, Throat swab culture, Stool culture, Cerebrospinal fluid culture, Polymerase chain reaction amplification, Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, Serum antibodies to poliovirus, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the spinal cordTreatment and Prevention
Medications such as pain relievers, Portable ventilators to assist breathing, Physical therapy to prevent loss of motor function and deformity, Can be prevented with vaccination during childhood or a booster dose for adults at risk of infection
