Polio
What is Polio?
Poliomyelitis, or for short polio, is an infection that affects parts of the spinal cord, damaging the nerves that control movements. The infection results in a paralysis of different types of muscles and the outcome is a shortening (or contracture) of muscles and tendons (cords) of arms, legs and the trunk. The full range of movement is thereby prevented.
Polio is unfortunately still a common cause of physical disabilities in children especially in Africa. Polio is mainly a disease of poverty, prevalent in areas where sanitation is poor, children are malnourished and out of reach of basic health services. It affects mainly babies from the age of 8 to 24 months, but occasionally also children up to 4 or 5 years of age. In 2006, 10% of CCBRT?s patients at the CCBRT Rehabilitation Department had polio. Amongst other services, patients received orthopaedic appliances like callipers, orthopaedic shoes and crutches.
What are the causes of Polio?
A virus entering the body through the mouth causes polio. It occurs predominantly in areas of poor hygiene and where there is a lack of latrines. The polio infection spreads when the virus contained in the stool of affected persons somehow contaminates drinking water or food. This can be the case when the latrines are located too close to wells. In other cases, Polio can spread through coughing and sneezing.
Polio begins with signs of a cold or fever, sometimes with diarrhoea or vomiting. A few days later the neck becomes stiff and painful and parts of the body become limp.
What is the cure for polio?
There is no cure for polio. However, exercises to prevent the development of contractures and deformities can improve the mobility of the child.
Crutches, leg braces (callipers) and other aids help the child move better and prevent contractures and deformities.
Surgery can help to correct contractures, transfer muscles and stabilise joints.
What prevents polio?
Vaccination of babies with the polio vaccine prevents infection from the polio virus.
