What is poliomyelitis?

Poliomyelitis, also known as polio or infantile paralysis, is a contagious disease transmitted through respiratory secretions or contaminated feces, and caused by the poliovirus. It can cause paralysis, especially in children. It is easily preventable through vaccination.

Symptoms

Many people infected with the poliovirus do not become ill or show any symptoms. Others may experience fever and sore throat, among other symptoms. Some children may develop paralysis in the legs and respiratory muscles, which can be fatal.

Causes

Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus, an infectious agent transmitted through contaminated water and food, or through respiratory secretions from an infected person.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of poliomyelitis involves analyzing the symptoms and is confirmed through laboratory tests, which include cerebrospinal fluid culture and detection of the virus in stool samples. People who have not received the polio vaccine and present with paralysis are the main suspects.

Prevention Method

Poliomyelitis is prevented through vaccines, which are routinely administered during childhood as part of the National Immunization Program. Suspected cases should be isolated.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for poliomyelitis. Symptoms are managed according to each patient's condition, ranging from pain relievers to equipment that assists with breathing.

Duration

The incubation period for poliomyelitis can last up to 30 days. If a severe form of the disease develops, sequelae such as leg paralysis may persist for the rest of the person's life.

Is it contagious?

Poliomyelitis is a contagious disease, but its transmission has been interrupted in Brazil and several other countries through mass vaccination programs. It is spread through contaminated water and food, or through respiratory secretions from an infected person.

Can it be contracted more than once?

People who have already had poliomyelitis acquire immunity against the variant of the poliovirus they were infected with, but they can still contract other strains if they have not been vaccinated.

By Einstein Editorial Board