Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus can lead to muscle paralysis, permanent damage to the central nervous system, and even death. While most infected individuals remain asymptomatic, some develop symptoms ranging from fever and cold-like ailments to stiff limbs. In severe cases, usually affecting between 1 in 50 to 1 in 500 unvaccinated individuals, it can result in acute flaccid paralysis. Paralysis can affect the legs, head, neck, and diaphragm.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched in 1988, leading to a 99% reduction in polio cases worldwide. In 1988, there were an estimated 350,000 cases. In 2022, there were only 30 confirmed cases, restricted to just three countries. Polio is preventable through vaccination, with two main types of vaccines available: inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and oral polio vaccine (OPV). The WHO has certified the eradication of poliovirus serotypes 2 and 3, with serotype 1 remaining. As of October 2023, only Afghanistan and Pakistan remain endemic for wild poliovirus. However, variant poliovirus outbreaks can still occur in other countries with low immunization rates.
