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Polio

FACTS:

• Polio is caused by a virus. A child becomes infected by ingestion of contaminated water or food.
  
• Three different types of virus are able to cause infection in humans.
  
•  After the virus is in the body, it begins to attack and destroys nerves that control muscles. This damage to these nerves can cause paralysis in different muscle groups.
  
• Polio virus affects mainly children, but adults with a weak immune system may also develop the disease.
  
• Death can be caused by the virus affecting the muscles that control breathing.    
  
• A mild disease usually presents with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat.
  
•  A moderate form of the disease may include neck rigidity, severe headache, severe back pain, and meningitis.
  
• Patients with the severe form of Polio may show symptoms including localized or widespread nerve involvement, loss of muscle functions in major groups of muscles, loss of muscle bulk.
  
• A child may recover completely, partially or not at all.

TREATMENT:

• There is no treatment for polio.
  
• After the disease, rehabilitation may be needed with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, and surgical Intervention to help release permanent tightening of muscles.  

PREVENTION:

Two types of vaccines are used to prevent the polio infection:

• IPV which is given by injecting in the muscle
  
• Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) which is given by mouth.