Diseases 101: What is polio?

July 1, 12:56 PMHealth 101 ExaminerEthan Demby

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Poliomyelitis, more commonly known as polio, is a viral disease that is contracted through the mouth by coming in contact with the fesces or waste of an infected person.  Polio affects the spinal cord which can lead to muscle weakness and even paralysis.  Even though polio is more common in children who don't practice good hygiene, adult individuals have a higher risk of developing paralysis from the polio virus. 

Although 95% of infected persons show no symptoms, they are still carriers and are capable of spreading the virus.  The symptoms are muscle weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, muscle stiffness and pain in the neck and back.  Only about 1-2% of polio victims will develop paralysis. 

There are no precautionary vaccinations or treatments for polio, but according to the NY Department of Health's article on polio, primary infections can lead to a minor immunity.  So, secondary infections of the same polio virus are rare.