Facts about Polio

POLIO

Introduction

Uganda has been identified as being at high risk of Polio circulation, due to high numbers of unimmunized children creating a risk of Polio spreading within Uganda from our neighbouring countries, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo.

What is Polio?

Poliomyelitis (Polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by the Polio virus.  It attacks the nervous system and commonly affects the muscles of any part of the body and can cause paralysis or even death in a matter of hours.

How is Polio spread?

The Polio virus (scientifically known as the wild polio virus – WPV) enters the body through the mouth, in water or food that has been contaminated with faecal material from an infected person.  The virus multiplies in the intestine and is excreted by the infected person in faeces, which can pass on the virus to others.

What are the signs and symptoms of Polio?

·        Fever

·        Fatigue

·        Headache

·        Vomiting

·        Stiffness in the neck

·        Pain in the limbs

Who is at risk of catching Polio?

Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age, but may also affect adults.

What are the effects of Polio?

The effects of Polio are:

·        Irreversible paralysis usually in the legs or arms.

·        Among those paralysed, one out of ten die when their breathing muscles are immobilized by the virus.

Is there a cure for Polio?

No, there is no cure for Polio.  Polio can only be prevented by immunization with a safe and effective vaccine.  The oral Polio vaccine (OPV) is an essential protection for children against Polio.

Why are children given oral Polio vaccine?

Polio vaccine is the only effective protection against Polio, a paralyzing disease for which there is no cure.  It is essential that every child under 5 years of age in Uganda is immunized against Polio.

Does the oral Polio vaccine have any side effects?

The oral Polio vaccine is one of the safest vaccines ever developed.  It has been used all over the world to protect children against Polio, saving at least 5 million children from permanent paralysis by Polio.

Is the oral Polio vaccine safe for new born babies and sick children?

Yes.  The oral Polio vaccine is safe to be given to new born babies and sick children.  It is important that new born babies and sick children are also immunized during the house to house campaign because their immunity levels are lower than other healthy children.

If all children under 5 years are immunized, against Polio, Uganda will become Polio Free.  Remember, it is a right of every child to be immunized, get protected from preventable diseases, and it should be part of every one’s concern to save life.

Florence Tinkamanyire

Country PolioPlus Officer, 2013-2014

17^th October 2013