Polio Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Polio is an infectious disease caused by the polio virus. The virus can enter the human body through the oral cavity, then enter the digestive tract, bloodstream and finally into the central nervous system. The entry of the virus into the central nervous system can cause paralysis in sufferers.
Polio, or what is also known in medical terms as poliomyelitis, can affect all age groups. However, the most vulnerable age group is children aged 1–15 years.
This disease can cause paralysis and difficulty breathing in sufferers. In very bad cases, people with polio can also end in death.
Polio Symptoms
Although polio can cause paralysis, it can be asymptomatic. In fact, as many as 90% of cases of polio infection are asymptomatic and are only detected by isolating the virus from the feces and oropharynx.
This disease primarily affects children and can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the symptoms that may arise include fever, headaches, vomiting, muscle aches, stiff backs, and paralysis.
Polio Reason
The cause of polio is the polio virus which enters the human body. The virus enters through the mouth and infects the central nervous system.
There are three types of poliovirus and all three can cause paralysis. The three types of viruses are:
- Type 1, namely the Brunhilde type which originates from the name of the monkey where this type was first discovered.
- Type 2, namely the Lansing type defined by the name of the city in the United States where type 2 was first discovered.
- Type 3, namely the Leon type which comes from the name of a sufferer who was first found type 3 from his feces (feces).
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of polio through medical interviews and physical examination. The doctor will examine the typical symptoms of paralysis in children, which are accompanied by non-specific symptoms of a viral infection – such as fever, muscle aches and sore throat.
Poliovirus can be detected by examining specimens from the throat and feces. Several methods of virus examination that are commonly used are virus examination, genome sequencing, and serological examination.
Polio Treatment
Until now there has not been found any treatment that can cure polio. This disease can be transmitted through the patient’s feces, therefore handling it needs to be done carefully.
Although there is no treatment that can ensure the recovery of the sufferer, this disease can actually be prevented.
Prevention
Immunization is the most effective measure in preventing polio. Prevention of polio can be done by increasing public awareness of the importance of giving polio immunization to children.