What is Polio?

Polio is an illness caused by infection with the Polio virus. It is most widely recognized as a cause of acute onset of flaccid (limp) paralysis. Polio virus infection occurs through the gastrointestinal tract, and only in a minority of cases, does it spread to the nervous system.

Who gets Polio?

Anyone who has not been vaccinated against polio can get polio disease if exposed to an individual with active polio disease. Although polio transmission has been eradicated in the Western Hemisphere (including the United States), it continues to circulate in other parts of the world where unvaccinated travelers could become exposed and could become ill or bring it back to the United States.

How is Polio spread?

Polio virus is transmitted primarily through person-to-person contact with an infected individual, especially individuals with poor personal hygiene.

What are the symptoms of Polio?

Greater than 90% of infected individuals will have no symptoms. Paralysis occurs in less than 1% of infected individuals. A small number of individuals may have non-specific symptoms including fever, sore throat, tiredness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

How soon do symptoms occur?

If symptoms occur, they occur from 3 to 35 days after exposure to an infected person.

How is Polio diagnosed?

Polio is difficult to diagnose because it must be distinguished from other paralytic conditions that cause similar symptoms, primarily Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Culture of throat secretions and the stool for polio virus are usually necessary.

What is the treatment for Polio?

There is no curative treatment for polio.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

An infected person is capable of transmitting polio as early as 36 hours after exposure and as long as 6 weeks after exposure. An infected person is most infectious around the time of onset of symptoms, however asymptomatic infected individuals are also very capable of transmitting the virus.

Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?

Because virtually all individuals in the United States are vaccinated against polio, exclusion from work or school should not be necessary. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services will evaluate the circumstances in each case and provide further guidance if an infected individual is identified in New Jersey.

How can Polio be prevented?

Polio can only be prevented by receiving one of the two types of polio vaccines (oral and injectable) available in the United States.