Poliomyelitis

Definition

is an acute infectious disease caused by any of the three types of

Poliomyelitis virus which affects chiefly the anterior horn cells of the Spinal
cord and the medulla, cerebellum and midbrain.

Characterized by two febrile episodes, a minor and major illness separated by

a remission of one or two days followed by varying degrees of muscle
weakness or occasionally a progressive Paralysis that ends fatally.

Other names: Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis; Heine-Medin Disease: Infantile

Paralysis.

Etiology and Epidemiology

the causative virus is poliovirus (Legio Debilitants)

there are 3 distinct serelogic types of poliovirus (with no cross Immunity)

1. Type I is the most paralytogenic or the most frequent cause of

Paralytic poliomyelitis, both epidemic and endemic.
2. Type II the next most frequent.
3. Type III the least frequently associated with paralytic disease.
Types of Poliomyelitis
1) Spinal

Cervical

Thoracic

Lumbar

2) Bulbar

Cranial nerves

Circular System

Respiratory System

3) Bulbo-spinal
4) Polioencephalitis
PERIOD OF COMMUNICABILITY:

Most contagious a few days before and after the onset of symptom when the
virus is found in the oropharynx for about a week, and in large quantities in
the small bowel, and continues to be in feces up to about 3 months.

Mode of Transmission:

Fecal-oral route

Oral route through pharyngeal secretion

Contact with infected persons

INCUBATION PERIOD:

Usually 7-14 days, with a range of 5-35 days, for paralytic and non-paralytic
forms; 3-5 days for the minor illness.

Signs and symptoms

General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)

Headache

Red throat

Slight fever

Sore throat

Vomiting