Acute flaccid myelitis vs. poliomyelitis - Key differences

The history of polio is a stark reminder of how devastating a virus can be. Though nearly eradicated, understanding poliomyelitis is vital to prevent its return and protect future generations from this crippling disease. This overview provides the essential facts you need.

What are the main causes of poliomyelitis?

• Poliomyelitis is caused by the highly infectious poliovirus, which primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route and can invade an infected person's nervous system.
• Answering how is polio spread, the virus is typically transmitted through contact with the stool of an infected person or via contaminated water or food.
• To the question is polio contagious, the answer is yes; it is extremely transmissible, with infected individuals spreading it even without showing symptoms.

Key symptoms of poliomyelitis to watch for

• Most people infected with the poliovirus show no visible polio symptoms, but some may experience fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and limb pain.
• A small percentage develops severe types of polio, like paralytic poliomyelitis, leading to muscle weakness, irreversible paralysis, and sometimes death.
• Decades later, survivors may develop post-polio syndrome, which is characterised by new muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and progressive muscular atrophy.

How can you prevent poliomyelitis effectively?

• The most effective prevention is the polio vaccine, which has dramatically reduced global cases and remains the cornerstone of the polio eradication effort.
• Two primary types are the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), or Salk vaccine, and the oral polio vaccine (OPV), also known as the Sabin vaccine.
• While the risk of polio today is very low in most countries, maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to prevent outbreaks from imported cases.

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Microscopic images of Poliomyelitis (Polio)

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Vaccination is our most powerful tool against this disease. Ensure your family's immunisations are up to date and consult your doctor to understand the continued importance of the polio vaccine for community protection.

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