MyVaccs™

The Disease

Polio, also known as Poliomyelitis, is a condition caused by a highly infectious virus. In most cases, Polio is a mild illness and only causes flu-like symptoms such as drowsiness, headache and sore throat. Stiffness or pain in the back of the neck may be experienced. However in some people polio is a potentially fatal condition that attacks nerve cells and can cause severe muscle paralysis. The incubation of the disease is commonly 7-14 days but has a reported range of 3 to possibly 35 days. Cases are most infectious immediately before and one to two days after the onset of paralytic disease.

Distribution

Vaccination policies in most developed countries has made the disease rare, however Polio is still prominent in many countries throughout the world, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian-subcontinent. The Polio virus can be easily imported into Polio free countries and can spread rapidly amongst unimmunised populations.

Vaccination

Vaccinations are widely available and are generally only given during Routine Childhood programs. They can not be given to children under 2 years of age.

The vaccine is given at around 3 years and 4 months - 5 years and again at 13-18 years

Notes for Travellers

All travellers going to endemic areas should be fully protected. The disease has severe morbidity and mortality and vaccination is very effective. Increasingly large areas of the world are being declared Poliomyelitis free. These areas now include all of the Americas and the Caribbean countries and Europe. The disease is now rare in much of the Far East. Cases still occur in the Indian sub-continent and parts of Africa. Always make sure you are up to date with all required boosters. Regardless of the vaccination it is important to maintain high standards of personal hygiene in areas of poor sanitation.