Polio
Polio Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF
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Polio is a potentially debilitating paralytic illness caused by a virus.
Polio occurs when a person ingests food or water that has been contaminated
with poliovirus. Polio is usually spread via the fecal-oral route; in other
words, the virus is transmitted from the stool of an infected person to the
mouth of another person from contaminated hands or objects such as eating
utensils.
- 95% of all individuals infected with polio have no apparent symptoms.
- Another 4%-8% of infected individuals have symptoms of a minor,
non-specific nature, such as sore throat and fever, nausea, vomiting, and
other common symptoms of any viral illness.
- About 1%-2% of infected individuals develop non-paralytic aseptic
(viral) meningitis, with temporary stiffness of the neck, back, and/or
legs.
- Less than 2% of all polio infections result in the classic "flaccid
paralysis," where the patient is left with permanent weakness or paralysis
of legs, arms, or both. Other muscles, including those used for breathing,
can also be affected.
- Of persons with paralytic polio, about 2%-5% of children die, and up to
15%-30% of adults die.
Polio: Vaccine |
Disease | Safety |
Questions & Answers
Please Note: All information is general in
nature and should
not substitute seeking proper medical attention.
Citation: This information has been
compiled from resources provided by the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). For more information on the CDC, visit their
website at:
www.cdc.gov/.
Immunization Program
Boulder County Public Health
3450 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304, (303) 413-7500
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