The Poliovirus
By Kevin Casas and Jake Bergin
Learn About The Poliovirus
The poliovirus is a spherical shaped virus that causes the disease polio/poliomyelitis.
Infection and Vaccine
The virus only infects humans. It is spread through contact, entry of the mouth, contact with feces, and through a sneeze or a cough (less common).
The polio vaccine is given to children to prevent infection from the virus. There are two types of the vaccine, the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). OPV is used still used throughout the world, but IPV has been used in the USA since 2000.
Incubation and Symptoms
The poliovirus has a common incubation period of 2-25 days. 72 out of 100 people with the virus do not show symptoms.1 out of 4 that show symptoms show flu-like symptoms like fever, nausea, and tiredness. A smaller section of those people will show symptoms that effect the brain and spinal cord like paresthesia, meningitis, and paralysis. Paralysis can cause death as it can affect the muscles that help one breathe.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges that causes fever, headache, sensitivity to light, and muscles rigidness.
Paresthesia
A feeling of pins and needles done by pressure on or damage to peripheral nerves.
Paralysis
Man has a machine on him allowing him to breathe.