Polio: Understanding the Virus, Symptoms, and Risks

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease affecting the central nervous system, spread via infected feces/saliva.

Symptoms & Complications

• Mild: fever, headache, vomiting.
• Severe: paralysis (motor neuron attack), respiratory failure (breathing muscle paralysis), encephalitis (brain inflammation → seizures, coma, brain damage).
• Can cause permanent disability or death.

Prevention

Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best protection.