Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is an acute infectious disease caused by poliovirus infection that invades the spinal cord. It is highly contagious. This disease is common in children under 5 years old, hence it is also known as "infantile paralysis." The vast majority of poliovirus infections are asymptomatic. Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, fever, weakness, nausea, headache, and stomach ache. A small number of cases may present with neurological symptoms, including paresthesia (a pins-and-needles sensation in the lower limbs), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal cord and/or brain), hemiplegia, or weakness in the limbs.