What should you know about WPV polio?

Polio is an infection caused by poliovirus. Wild poliovirus refers to virus that continues to circulate naturally, rather than virus associated with a vaccine. It spreads mainly through contact with infected stool, which makes hand hygiene, safe sanitation and vaccination important protections. Infection can be passed on even when a person has few or no noticeable symptoms.

Many people with polio have mild illness or no symptoms. When poliomyelitis affects the nervous system, it can lead to sudden weakness or paralysis, usually in the limbs. Paralysis is a serious presentation requiring urgent medical care.

Keep immunisations up to date according to the vaccination schedule and any travel or public-health advice you receive. Encourage careful handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing food, and use safe water and sanitation practices. If you are unsure whether a child or adult has received the recommended polio doses, a clinician or immunisation service can check the record and advise on catch-up vaccination.

Tell a healthcare professional promptly about relevant travel, contact with someone who is unwell, or symptoms that develop after travel. This information can help them decide what testing or public-health steps are appropriate.

Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden arm or leg weakness, a limp that appears quickly, severe muscle pain with weakness, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing or a stiff neck with fever. These symptoms have several possible causes, but they need prompt evaluation. For vomiting, fever or other illness after travel, contact a clinician and mention your travel history, particularly if weakness occurs.

Ask whether your household's polio vaccinations are complete, whether travel plans change the advice, and how to access an official vaccination record. If someone is ill, ask which symptoms should trigger urgent review and what information about travel or close contacts will be useful.