And even among those who develop paralysis, more than three-quarters eventually recover completely or sustain only mild disabilities. The paralytic form of the disease proves fatal between 1 and 4 percent of the time. It is most dangerous in adults. Causes Polio is caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person through infected bowel movements and mucus from the nose or throat.
Symptoms develop within two weeks of exposure to someone who has the disease.
The virus remains in the throat for 1 or 2 weeks after symptoms appear, and in bowel movements for 3 to 6 weeks. Paralytic Polio Severe headache, stiff neck and back, muscle pain. Loss of reflexes. Weakening of the muscles and paralysis. In most cases, hospitalization is not necessary.