The disease is spread by either an asymptomatic virus carrier or a sick person. It is transmitted mainly by objects (food, beverages) contaminated by stool, and to a smaller extent also by droplet infection.

About the disease

The disease is asymptomatic in most cases, or shows slight respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. After high fever the paralyzing version shows symptoms of meningitis, muscle weakness and paralysis in different parts of the body. Paralysis can affect one muscle, but also all the motor nerves bellow the neck, causing respiratory paralysis.

What has to be known on the vaccination?

Two types of vaccinations exist against polio: Vaccination containing inactivated virus cells, and an immunization with weak, living virus. The latter one builds protection in the intestinal wall, where the original virus would adhere. Nowadays, in attempts to erase the disease from Earth, only the inactivated (Salt) vaccination is in use. It has to be given at certain ages.

For whom should it be considered?

• people travelling to infected territories
  
• laboratory and medical workers
  

When is it contraindicated?

• in case of fever
  
• in case of vomiting and diarrhoea
  
• in case of pregnancy
  
• in case of a lower operation of the immune system