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PoliomyelitisUpdated: October 2006 Know before you go!Infectious diseases not necessarily common in Canada can occur and may even be widespread in other countries. Standards of hygiene and medical care may differ from those at home. Before departure, you should learn about the health conditions in the country or countries you plan to visit, your own risk of disease and the steps you can take to prevent illness. The risk is yours Risk assessment consultation Some facts from the experts ![]() Disease profilePoliomyelitis, or polio, is an acute infectious disease caused by one of three gastrointestinal viruses, either poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. The poliovirus can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles. . As a result, the affected muscles no longer function and paralysis that may not be reversible can occur. In severe cases, the disease may lead to death. Polio mainly affects children under three years of age, but can strike older children and adults as well. TransmissionPoliovirus is spread by the faecal-oral route. The virus enters the mouth and multiplies in the intestines. Polio is contracted either indirectly through contaminated water, where sewage and drinking water supplies are not adequately treated, or directly through contact with the faecal matter of an infected individual. Person-to-person transmission is especially common among children. ![]() Geographic distribution and incidence trendsUntil 1988, polio occurred throughout the world and the virus was endemic to over 125 countries. As a result of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, polio has been eradicated in many parts of the world. Three of the six geopolitical regions of the world have been certified polio-free, meaning poliovirus is no longer naturally present in the environment: the Americas (1994), the Western Pacific (2000) and Europe (2002). The regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Africa continue to work towards polio eradication. Eastern Mediterranean Region South-East Asia Region African Region For a current list of confirmed cases of polio by country consult the Global Polio Eradication Initiative In Canada Small outbreaks of wild poliovirus occurred in 1978 and 1979 in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta among closed communities that do not accept immunization for religious reasons. The outbreaks stemmed from wild poliovirus that was imported from the Netherlands (outbreaks had occurred in similar communities there). In 1993, another outbreak resulting from imported virus from the Netherlands occurred in the same communities. ![]() SymptomsThe incubation period for poliomyelitis varies from 4 to 35 days. Polio
infection often produces no symptoms or minor symptoms, such as fever, fatigue,
headache, vomiting, constipation (or less commonly diarrhoea), stiff neck
and pain in the limbs. Infected individuals can transmit the virus to others
even though they exhibit no symptoms. ![]() TreatmentThere is no specific treatment for polio. Severe cases require supportive care that may help the patient recover. . VaccinesTwo types of polio vaccines are available in Canada: the Salk inactivated
polio vaccine (IPV) and the Sabin oral polio vaccine (OPV). The IPV is delivered
by injection of killed virus in three doses over six to twelve months. IPV
is highly protective but not necessarily lifelong, and is extremely safe.
The OPV vaccine is given orally in three doses and is formulated from live
viruses of each of the three polio serotypes. In some cases, vaccine-associated
polio effects have been reported following OPV use. ![]() Prevention and personal precautionsAs there is no cure for polio, prevention is key.Recommendations
Some things to think about...International travel can expose Canadians to infectious diseases, like polio, that are not frequently seen in North America. Our high standard of sanitation and childhood immunization programs may lead many adult Canadians to become complacent about keeping their routine immunizations up to date. All travellers are advised to review their immunization history with a physician well in advance of departure to confirm whether they have been properly immunized against polio. For more information...
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Last Updated: 2006-10-12 | ![]() |