In the early to middle half of the 20th century, polio was a condition that spiked to nearly epidemic proportions. Toward the end of the century, polio was nearly eradicated. It now only exists in certain undeveloped countries. Due to the development of vaccines, polio can be prevented.
Features
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a viral illness that can attack the central nervous system and cause paralysis. Although polio may affect anyone of any age, it is most common in infants and children. Polio may be asymptomatic, meaning that there are no apparent symptoms. There are three forms of symptomatic polio: Abortive polio usually produces flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever and upper respiratory illness; non-paralytic polio may produce symptoms of neck stiffness and light sensitivity; and paralytic polio can cause muscle paralysis and even death.
The Facts
In abortive and non-paralytic polio, the virus is usually confined to the digestive tract and does not move beyond the stomach. Patients suffering from this type of infection normally make a full recovery within a week to two weeks. In paralytic polio, the virus enters the blood stream and attacks the nerves. Paralysis of affected muscles may occur. Polio is usually transmitted through contact with infected stool and lack of hand washing. It may then be passed from person to person through fluids such as nasal secretions or contaminated water.
Identification
Polio is usually diagnosed through blood tests. There is no cure for polio once it has been contracted. People suffering from paralytic polio are treated for symptoms such as pain, fever and muscle stiffness to make them as comfortable as possible. If breathing muscles are affected, they may need the aid of respiratory devices to help them breathe. It is possible for patients affected by paralytic polio to gain some control over their affected limbs, but most often there is partial or complete paralysis of the affected muscles.
Effects
The most obvious and effective way to combat polio is through prevention. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine to prevent polio, and the injections became widely available to the public in 1955. Albert Sabin soon followed up with an oral vaccine in 1964. Since the development of the polio vaccines, the incidence of polio has been greatly reduced and by the latter portion of the 20th century was practically non-existent in the United States.
Function
It was discovered that in a small number of people the oral vaccine could actually produce the polio virus. The Center for Disease Control made the decision to only use the injected form of the vaccine in order to prevent such cases from occurring. It is recommended that four doses of the polio vaccine be given to children at the ages of 2 months, 4 months and again between 6 to 18 months followed by a booster shot between the ages of 4 to 6 years.
Significance
Although polio still exists in some countries in Africa and Asia, the World Health Organization continues to work toward eliminating the disease completely. It is advisable for adults and children traveling to other countries to contact their physician to see if they are in need of a booster shot. Polio can still be transmitted from person to person if contacted in areas where it is still a concern.
Tags: paralytic polio, polio virus, 20th century, affected muscles, Although polio, booster shot, century polio