Poliomyelitis is an illness caused by a virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. The symptoms of poliomyelitis can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some common symptoms include: - Fever - Fatigue - Headache - Vomiting - Stiffness of the neck - Pain in the limbRead more
Poliomyelitis is an illness caused by a virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. The symptoms of poliomyelitis can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Fatigue
– Headache
– Vomiting
– Stiffness of the neck
– Pain in the limbs
– Muscle weakness
– Difficulty swallowing
– Breathing difficulties
– Paralysis
One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis, usually in the legs. Among those paralyzed, 5-10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized. Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age.
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Polio is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on the symptoms and a physical examination. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a laboratory test of a stool sample, which can detect the poliovirus. The virus can also be found in a throat sample only during the first week of illness. A test of the flRead more
Polio is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on the symptoms and a physical examination. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a laboratory test of a stool sample, which can detect the poliovirus. The virus can also be found in a throat sample only during the first week of illness. A test of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or cerebrospinal fluid, may be used to rule out other diseases of the nervous system.
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