Polio
- An infection caused by a virus that affects the whole body including muscles and nerves.
Signs and Symptoms
- In most cases (95%) there are no symptoms.
- A small number of people may have fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal (stomach) pain and diarrhea.
- Individuals may also report severe muscle aches, tiredness and stiffness in the neck and back.
- It is important to report these symptoms right away as the virus can cause nerve damage and lead to paralysis.
Spread
- The virus is found in saliva and feces (stool) of sick people.
- Spread by direct contact with sick persons or through the air when a sick person talks, coughs or sneezes.
- It is also spread by food, water and hands contaminated with infected feces.
Treatment
- There is no medication to treat polio.
Complications
- Severe cases may cause permanent paralysis (loss of movement) or even death.
Prevention
- Polio can be prevented through vaccination
- Vaccination has gotten rid of polio in Canada but it is still in other parts of the world
Polio is a reportable disease and must be reported to the local Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
