Which microbe causes poliomyelitis or polio?

• Poliovirus infection causes polio

  • The virus is primarily found in humans

 

• Poliovirus infects the gut through fecal-oral (feces to mouth) contamination

  • By washing the hands well with soap after a trip to the toilet, we can significantly reduce chances of poliovirus infection

• Poliovirus infection peaks during warm months

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What are the symptoms of poliovirus infection of the gut?

• Sometimes, there are no obvious symptoms

• Approximately 1 out of 4 people infected with poliovirus will have can mild symptoms that are often mistaken for a common cold or stomach flu. They will include the following:

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Tiredness or general malaise of feeling sick

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headache

• Stomach pain, 

• Diarrhea or constipation

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What are the complications from poliovirus infection?

• The virus can migrate to the central nervous system and cause post-poliosyndrome (Paralysis of the limb)

 

What are the treatments for poliovirus infection?

• There is NO specific cure for polio.

•  Physical therapy and pain relief can help with muscle weakness and pain. 

• For severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be required to help the patient with breathing

 

How to prevent poliovirus infection?

• There are two types of vaccines available for polio

  • Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)

  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)