infection⚑ High burden in India

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened to polio, is an disease caused by the poliovirus. Approximately 75% of cases are ; mild symptoms which can occur include sore throat and fever; in a proportion of cases more severe symptoms develop such as headache, neck stiffness, and paresthesia. These symptoms usually pass within one or two weeks. A less common symptom is permanent , and possible death in extreme cases. Years after recovery, post-polio may occur, with a slow development of muscle weakness similar to what the person had during the initial .

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

·Fever, sore throat

Causes — why it happens

·Poliovirus spread by fecal–oral route

How it's found

·Finding the virus in the feces or in the blood

Prevention

·Polio vaccine

Treatment

·No treatment other than supportive care

Complications

·Muscle weakness resulting in ; Post-polio

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.