Facts about polio virus

Poliovirus usually enters through the mouth and can spread when hygiene is poor or through close contact with an infected person. Many infected people have no obvious illness. When symptoms occur, they may include fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, stomach upset, or muscle aches. In a small group of cases, the infection affects the nervous system and causes new weakness, loss of reflexes, neck stiffness, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Weakness from a nervous-system infection needs urgent assessment. A person cannot confirm or exclude polio from symptoms alone, and other infections can look similar.

Check that children and adults in your household are up to date with recommended [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/). Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. Use safe water and sanitation, and avoid sharing items contaminated with saliva. If illness follows travel or a known exposure, call a clinician before attending so infection-control advice can be arranged.

Get emergency help for sudden weakness, trouble walking, difficulty swallowing, choking, or shortness of breath. Seek prompt medical advice for fever with neck stiffness or unusual limb weakness, particularly after travel to an area where poliovirus may circulate. Keep the unwell person away from vulnerable contacts until a clinician advises on precautions.

Ask whether symptoms require testing, whether recent travel changes the assessment, which vaccines are due, and how to protect babies or people with weakened immunity at home.