In some parts of the world poliomyelitis, familiarly known as polio, is still a crippling disease, especially of children. Polio is no longer common in industrialized nations because of effective vaccines. Recent changes in the vaccination program in the United States are expected virtually to eliminate the disease. Cause Poliomyelitis is a serious infectious disease caused by any one of three viruses that affect the central nervous system. Incidence Also called infantile paralysis , polio primarily affects children.
Young boys are more likely than girls to get it.
Older people, especially if under stress, are more likely to get the disease in a serious rather than mild form. In its more serious form, polio causes paralysis, the inability to move muscles . Pregnant women are at greater risk for getting a serious form of polio than women who are not pregnant. Symptoms you are likely to notice In its mildest form, the disease symptoms are fever , headache , nausea , and vomiting , which last for only a few hours. In its longer-lasting form, symptoms also include irritation of the membranes that line the brain as well as stiffness in the neck and back.