Causes of polio virus

Poliovirus leaves the body in stool and can spread when hygiene or sanitation is inadequate. It may pass from an infected person through contaminated hands, food, or water, including when the person has few or no symptoms. The virus first multiplies in the intestine and can then enter the bloodstream. In some infections it reaches the nervous system, where it may cause muscle weakness or paralysis. Paralysis can affect breathing muscles, making the illness an emergency. Polio is not caused by cold weather, tiredness, or a routine muscle strain.

Check that children and adults in the household are up to date with recommended childhood immunisation. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet or changing nappies and before preparing food. Use safe drinking water and food hygiene. If someone has sudden weakness, difficulty walking, swallowing, or breathing after possible exposure, seek urgent medical assessment and mention travel or contact history.

Seek urgent help for sudden or worsening weakness, a floppy limb, difficulty swallowing, neck stiffness, or breathing problems. Contact a clinician for fever with severe headache, vomiting, limb pain, or new weakness, especially after travel to an area where polio may circulate or after contact with a suspected case.

Are our immunisations up to date for our ages and travel plans? What symptoms would require emergency assessment? Should recent travel or contact with an infected person change the advice for our household?