Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease cause
d by the poliovirus. It primarily affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, leading to paralysis in severe cases. Poliovirus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as through close contact with an infected person. The disease mainly affects children under the age of 5.
Symptoms of polio can vary, with many cases being asymptomatic. However, in cases where symptoms occur, they can include fever, fatigue, headache, stiffness in the neck and back, muscle weakness or paralysis, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing and swallowing. Paralysis caused by the virus is often permanent.
Historically, polio was a widespread and highly feared disease, causing epidemics in many parts of the world. However, thanks to the development and widespread use of polio vaccines, the disease has now been largely eradicated. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, launched in 1988, has made significant progress in reducing the number of polio cases worldwide. As of 2021, polio remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are used to immunize children and protect them from the virus. Both vaccines have been successful in reducing polio cases globally.
Efforts to eradicate polio continue, with the goal of completely eliminating the disease and securing a polio-free world. These efforts involve immunization campaigns, surveillance systems to detect polio cases, and targeted interventions in areas with polio outbreaks.