Poliomyelitis (Polio)
                     Poliomyelitis 
(polio)
Introduction
Polio is a disease caused by poliovirus. Most 
people have no symptoms or mild 
symptoms, but some become paralyzed. 
Before vaccines, thousands were paralyzed 
in outbreaks. 
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Types
There are three variations of poliovirus, 
called wild poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3 (WPV1, 
WPV2 and WPV3). 
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Wild polio type 
1 only exists 
Wild polio types 2 and 3 have been 
eradicated (no longer exist), and wild polio 
type 1 only exists in a few parts of the world. 
Polio type 1 is most likely to cause paralysis.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Is polio a virus 
or disease?
Polio is the name of the disease caused by 
poliovirus.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Is polio still 
alive today?
Yes, there are still cases of polio in some 
parts of the world today. While the number of 
people affected has been greatly reduced, 
international efforts to eradicate polio are 
still ongoing.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Abortive 
poliomyelitis
Abortive poliomyelitis causes flu-like and 
intestinal symptoms. It only lasts a few days 
and doesn’t cause long-lasting issues.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Non-paralytic 
poliomyelitis
Non-paralytic poliomyelitis may cause 
aseptic meningitis, a swelling of the area 
around your brain. It causes more symptoms 
than abortive poliomyelitis and may require 
you to stay in the hospital.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Paralytic 
poliomyelitis
Paralytic poliomyelitis happens when 
poliovirus attacks your brain and spinal cord. 
It can paralyze the muscles that allow you to 
breathe, speak, swallow and move your 
limbs.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Who is at risk 
for polio?
1. Live in or travel to an area where polio 
hasn’t been eliminated
2. Live in or travel to an area with poor 
sanitation
3. Are under 5
4. Are pregnant
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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How common is 
polio?
Symptomatic polio is rare in many parts of 
the world, thanks to worldwide vaccination 
programs. In most countries, polio is 
considered eliminated — it’s no longer 
spread in that area.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Thank you