Polio

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease caused by poliovirus. In the past, polio was common, especially in children, and caused paralysis and death. After the introduction of the polio vaccine, the disease became rare in most parts of the world, although it persists in some countries. 

Most people infected with polio do not have any symptoms. Those who do have symptoms have minor illness with fever, headache, lethargy, nausea and vomiting and completely recover. A small number of symptomatic people infected with the poliovirus also experience severe muscle pain with back or neck stiffness. 

Less than one percent of people who are infected develop a severe weakness called acute flaccid paralysis. This usually affects the limbs, but it can also affect the muscles of the head and neck and the diaphragm muscle that is used for breathing. A small number of people with acute flaccid paralysis will die.

Polio is spread by the fecal-oral route. The virus can be found in the stool (feces) and spread through close contact with an infected person via small amounts of feces on unwashed hands. The virus can be found in the air after someone who is infected with polio coughs or sneezes and can be inhaled. However, this mode of transmission is uncommon.

Polio is very rare in Canada, but there are still outbreaks in other parts of the world. Anyone at any age who has not had the disease or been immunized is at risk. 

People who are not immune may become infected in countries where polio still exists. They may then bring the infection with them when they travel to Canada. 

There is no specific cure for polio and treatment is mainly to support cases with acute flaccid paralysis while their weakness is severe. Cases with acute flaccid paralysis may require intensive care to assist breathing.

Health-care providers, hospitals and laboratories, schools and childcare centres must report suspected cases of polio to Public Health. Public Health staff will interview the health-care provider and patient (or caregivers) to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people at risk of infection, implement control measures (such as immunization and restrictions on attending school or work) and provide other advice. 

The best way to protect against polio is to be immunized. The New Brunswick Immunization Schedule provides polio vaccine as part of a diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib) at two, four, six and 18 months of age and (DTaP-IPV) at four years of age. 

Adults traveling to areas where polio still exists may require a booster. Before traveling to countries where polio is occurring, remember to seek advice from a health-care provider or a travel health clinic.

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.