Any child less than 15yrs of age with sudden onset of weakness or floppiness of the limbs regardless of the cause / within two weaks.

Any person of any age with paralytic illness in whom a clinician suspects poliomyelitis.

Is an acute viral infection resulting in flaccid paralysis ( infantile paralysis ).

 It is a crumpling diseases that affect the limbs.

 WHAT IS POLIOVIRUS

Polioviruses are human RNA intestinal viruses that cause polio disease. There are 3 serotypes of polioviruses with slightly different capsid proteins (type 1, 2 and 3). Polioviruses are resistant to inactivation by many common detergents and disinfectants, including soaps, but the viruses are rapidly inactivated by exposure to ultraviolet light. The viral infectivity is stable for months at +4 oc and for days at +30 0C.

        SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Stiffness of the neck and back with without paralysis, fever, headache, malaise, gastro-intestinal disturbance.

                  TRANSMISSION
   Is transmitted through feaco-oral route ( food and water contaminated ).

              CAUSATIVE AGENT
   Polio virus Type 1, 2 and 3.

             INCUBATION PERIOD

3–21 days OR 7–12 days but usually 10 days.

            RESERVOIR
   Man ( Human ).

            PREVENTION AND CONTROL

1. Immunization with polio vaccine
2. Isolation
3. Treatment of an infected person
4. Avoidance of overcrowding
5. Standard of personal and environmental hygiene
6. Health education