Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious viral disease brought on by the poliovirus. The disease can result in severe neurological problems and paralysis, and at times it can even be fatal. (See Reference 1) In most developed nations, the poliovirus has been eradicated due to vaccination programs taken up governments. However, the poliovirus is still a major threat in many developing countries.

The WHO has initiated a worldwide vaccination program to eradicate the disease and this program has been ongoing from the year 1988. In the year the program started, it was estimated that 350,000 people were afflicted by poliomyelitis, but by the year 2005, due to the WHO initiative, the number was significantly brought down to 1,951. Today, there are just 4 countries in the world where there is a risk of poliomyelitis outbreaks, and these countries are Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan. (See Reference 1)

In the year 1955, Jonas Salk was responsible for developing polio vaccine using inactivated poliovirus. There after, in the year 1963, Albert Sabin developed polio vaccine using live attenuated poliovirus. The US was using the former until the year 2000, but there were reports of some kids getting the disease after getting the vaccine. Hence, the health authorities began using inactivated poliovirus vaccine to prevent outbreaks of the disease among vaccinated kids. (See Reference 2) It is thanks to Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin that today the number of outbreaks across the world has dramatically reduced.

Today, most of the outbreaks of polio seen are the mild form. Generally, the person experiences malaise and flu like symptoms, but recovery is complete. However, if the virus enters the bloodstream, it can lead to severe complications. (See Reference 2) Then, there is aseptic meningitis where the virus attacks the spinal cord and the infected person gets symptoms similar to meningitis. The third form of polio causes paralysis. The kind of polio affects the nerve cells and weakens the affected muscles. In some people, the paralysis becomes alright, but in others it is permanent. (See Reference 2) However, the paralytic poliomyelitis can also be fatal if it affects the lungs or the brain.

In homes where poliomyelitis occurs, proper attention has to be given to cleanliness and hygiene. This virus has an incubation period and during that time, the other members of the household can get infected. Hence, due care must be taken that drinking water is boiled before consumption and all surfaces and areas, where the infected person is, are cleaned thoroughly. The infected person's utensils and clothes should be kept separately and washed with antiseptic. (See Reference 2)

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