Polio (Poliomyelitis): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Polio , also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of 5. It is caused by the poliovirus, which is transmitted through person-to-person contact, mainly through the fecal-oral route. Polio can lead to paralysis or even death in severe cases. However, thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, the disease has been greatly reduced worldwide. 1. Causes and Transmission : Polio is caused by three types of poliovirus: type 1, type 2, and type 3. The virus is spread from person to person through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water or food. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected mucus or saliva. People infected with poliovirus can excrete the virus in their feces for several weeks, allowing the virus to spread to others who come into contact with contaminated materials. 2. Symptoms : Most people infected with poliovirus do not develop any symptoms and may have a mild illness or no ill...