Health Alert: Polio

Polio throughout history

Polio is an ancient disease, with historical depictions dating back to Ancient Egypt. However, it was only in 19th and 20th centuries that the disease truly emerged as a global threat, with widespread polio epidemics crippling nations and leaving countless children paralysed and dependent on iron lungs. The epidemics initiated profound cultural changes – revolutionising medical philanthropy, giving rise to rehabilitation therapy, and advancing disability rights movements. The development of vaccines by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin in 1955 marked a turning point, but the battle is far from over.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 10- to 20-million polio survivors worldwide.

What steps are being taken to combat polio?

In 1988, WHO, UNICEF, and The Rotary Foundation initiated a global effort to eradicate the disease – the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Since then, polio has been reduced worldwide by 99%, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 countries, to just two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan (as of October 2023).

Polio still spreads in areas with low vaccination rates and thrives in places hit by conflict and instability, like Somalia and Gaza. Failure to stop polio in these few remaining areas could result in as many as 200 000 new cases globally every year within 10 years.
The Polio Eradication Strategy 2022–2026 lays out the roadmap to a polio-free world, with a focus on increasing vaccine demand and access.

Minimise your risk of catching polio

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio. There are two broad types of polio vaccine: an injected vaccine using inactivated poliovirus and an oral vaccine containing a weakened live virus.

Additional effective strategies include:

• Avoid close contact: If you are travelling to areas with known polio outbreaks, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Consume safe, clean water: Boil water for at least one minute to inactivate the virus.

What are the symptoms of polio?

Up to 90% of those infected experience no or mild symptoms. However, some develop flu-like symptoms, including:
Fever

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Muscle aches

About one to five in 1 000 people develop paralytic polio, which can lead to:

• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Loss of reflexes
• Floppy limbs
• Pins and needles in the legs
• Paralysed arms, legs, or both
• Severe sensitivity to touch
• Problems swallowing
• Difficulty breathing

What to do if you think you have polio

Signs and symptoms of polio are similar to other viral diseases that affect the nervous system. If you experience fever, chills, headache, nausea, or muscle pain after travelling to an area where polio has been reported, seek medical treatment immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe illness and complications.

If you have had polio before, see your health care provider if you experience new or worse signs or symptoms.

Did you know?

Age factor: Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age – although anyone who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

Post-polio syndrome: Between 25 percent and 50 percent of individuals who have recovered from paralytic polio in childhood can develop additional symptoms decades after recovering from the acute infection, including muscle weakness and extreme fatigue.

While polio once paralysed nations, global efforts have significantly reduced its spread – but the fight is not over. As long as a single child remains infected, people across the world are at risk of contracting polio. Continued vigilance, vaccination and international cooperation is crucial in in preventing the resurgence of this debilitating disease.