Polio

Description: A highly infectious disease caused by a virus that infects the central nervous system.

Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, nausea, headaches, stomach aches, and stiffness in the neck, back, and legs or paralysis, although you can be a carrier without symptoms.

Complications: Paralysis that can lead to permanent disability and death.

Transmission: Contact with an infected person via fecal-oral route.

Vaccine: Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) can prevent this disease.

Pictures:  CDC pictures / Immunization Action Coalition pictures.

Vaccine Information Statement

 

Two years ago, the CDC celebrated 50 years of the polio vaccine!  Take a few moments and learn about the  polio anniversary and understand how the vaccine has helped people from around the world.