Polio - Description



The poliovirus causes most of its infections in the summer and fall. At one time, summer epidemics of polio were common and greatly feared.

The poliovirus primarily affects younger children. But it can also infect older children and adults. Poor hygiene and crowded living conditions encourage the spread of the poliovirus.

Paralysis is the most serious symptom of polio. Only about 1 percent to 2 percent of those infected with the virus are paralyzed, however. Risk factors for paralysis include older age, pregnancy, problems with the immune system, a recent tonsillectomy, and a recent episode of very strenuous exercise.

Brain stem:
A mass of nervous tissue that connects the main part of the brain to the spinal cord.
Epidemic:
The widespread occurrence of a disease over a large geographic area for an extended period of time.
Paralysis:
The inability to move one's muscles.

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