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A service of Independence Australia
History of Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis, or Polio, is centuries old, and is even depicted on Egyptian temple walls. Polio antibodies were originally passed from mother to child providing a level of ongoing immunity so Polio was more flu like with less severe symptoms. Polio epidemics started after hygiene levels improved early in the 19th century, thus breaking the mother to child immunity cycle. An unprotected generation grew up which resulted in Polio infections increasing in severity and moving rapidly across communities.
What is Polio?
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. It can strike at any age, but affects mainly children under three (over 50% of all cases). The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Amongst those paralysed, 5%-10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilised. Although polio paralysis is the most visible sign of polio infection, fewer than 1% of polio infections ever result in paralysis. The Poliovirus can spread widely before cases of paralysis are seen. As most people infected with poliovirus have no signs of illness, they are never aware they have been infected. After initial infection with poliovirus, the virus is shed intermittently in faeces (excrement) for several weeks. During that time, polio can spread rapidly through the community.
Source: WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative
What is ‘Post Polio Syndrome’ (PPS)
Symptoms associated with Post Polio Syndrome (also known as the 'Late Effects of Polio') are not related to age nor do all people who have had Polio experience them.
The most common symptoms include:
There is now general agreement that, in order to minimize the severity of any new symptoms, early assessment and intervention are essential. After a full assessment, a rehabilitation specialist may, if necessary, refer you to a respiratory specialist, speech therapist, orthotist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, or pain clinic. For more information, please check in Articles and Resources. |
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