Polio

Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened to polio, is a serious infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The poliovirus can be divided into three subtypes: type 1, type 2, and type 3. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of polio with which people are infected. In the majority of cases, the disease not cause severe symptoms. However, in some cases, polio can be very harmful and lead to severe complications.

The poliovirus is transmitted from person to person, often through the air. You can become infected if someone who is infected coughs or sneezes near you. Additionally, you can contract the disease simply by talking to someone who carries the virus. The faeces of an infected person can also be a source of infection.

Where does polio occur?

Thanks to successful immunisation programmes, polio is no longer present in the Western world, apart from occasional outbreaks among unvaccinated groups. Currently, polio is primarily found in the Indian subcontinent and in West and Central Africa.

What are the symptoms?

In 90 to 95% of cases, infection with the poliovirus is without any symptoms. However, sometimes symptoms can appear, including:

• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Paralysis (usually of the legs or arms)
• Paralysis of the swallowing or respiratory muscles

How to prevent polio?

Vaccination provides strong protection against this serious condition. Individuals who have received all required doses of the vaccine almost never die from polio. Since the 1950s, this vaccination has been part of the National Immunisation Programme. It is referred to as the DTaP/IPV vaccination and protects against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio. If you are travelling to a country where this is present, a booster vaccination may be necessary. Individuals who have received a series of three vaccinations are protected for life. Those who have had polio are only protected against the subtype of poliovirus they were infected with and can still be at risk of contracting the other two subtypes.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you can make an appointment for vaccination at KLM Health Services and receive personal advice for your specific situation.

Good personal hygiene, such as handwashing, is important to limit the spread of polio. Currently, there are no medications to treat polio. Many patients are hospitalised, while in other cases, bed rest is sufficient. During recovery, physiotherapy is often needed. Most individuals recover completely, but in some cases, paralysis may remain.

More information

Would you like to know more about polio? Please visit the RIVM information page: Polio | RIVM.