Situation and vulnerability
Children are particularly affected, but an unvaccinated person may be infected at any age. The virus is transmitted mainly through the faeces.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain of the limbs are possible. Paralysis can occur quickly; not all of these signs are specific.
Diagnosis and monitoring
Suspicion should be assessed promptly as part of health surveillance. Describe precisely the weakness and exposures; this sheet does not confirm an infection.
Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →
Prevention and care
Check the vaccination schedule with a professional and apply hand and water hygiene. A sudden weakness or difficulty in breathing warrants an urgent appeal.
Practical issues
Is there a cure that cures polio?
There is no cure for polio. Vaccination prevention and management of the consequences of the disease have different roles.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- Documented vaccines and missing doses
- Date of weakness
- Travel and exhibition context
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
- Hepatitis A
- Adenovirus infection
- Rotavirus infection
- Nipah Virus Infection
- Norovirus
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
Compare Poliomyelitis with associated sheets →
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