Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects the nervous system, leading to varying degree of of paralysis. The virus is transmitted mainly through contaminated water or food, and it enters the body through the mouth.
Symptoms of polio can range from mild to severe and may include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In severe cases, the virus can attack the motor neurons of the spinal cord and brainstem, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis. Permanent disability or death can occur, particularly in severe cases.
Vaccination has been highly effective in preventing polio, and extensive global vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the number of polio cases worldwide.