While virtually eliminated in the US, polio is a serious illness caused by a virus that still affects many parts of the world. It can cause:

The polio virus can be spread by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with the virus. It can also be spread through person-to-person contact (eg, kissing) or fecal-oral contact. This type of contact is more likely to occur in unsanitary conditions.

Anyone can develop this infection. It mainly affects children under five years old. Also, it is more likely to lead to paralysis in certain people, including those who:

  • Have immune deficiency
  • Are pregnant
  • Had their tonsils removed
  • Take intramuscular injections
  • Exercise strenuously
  • Are injured

Before the 1950s, when the polio vaccine was developed, this disease affected thousands of children each year. But the use of the vaccine has made polio very rare in developed nations.

Symptoms include:

  • Mild fever
  • Sore throat
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Meningitis
  • Paralysis

There is no cure for polio. Treatments to manage the symptoms of the disease include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Pain medicines
  • Ventilators to help breathing
  • Exercise
  • Healthful diet

The polio vaccine is made of inactivated polio virus. In the past, an oral vaccine containing live polio vaccine was used. Since there is a small risk of getting polio from the oral vaccine, it is no longer recommended. Today's polio vaccine is given by injection into the arm or leg.