Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Also known as polio.  A highly contagious viral infection that invades the nervous system and can cause complete or partial paralysis.  Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle spasms, and paralysis.  Complications can include difficulty breathing if the muscles used for breathing are affected.  A condition called postpoliomyelitis syndrome which causes weakening in the muscles can affect people 20-30 years after their initial bout of polio.  Treatment is aimed toward relief of symptoms.  The polio vaccine given to children helps prevent polio from occurring.