Polio

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, Fatigue

Common 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 water

Risk 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 workers

Investigation 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 cord

Treatment 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