3-4. POLIOMYELITIS (INFANTILE PARALYSIS)

a. Definition of Poliomyelitis. This central nervous system disease is defined as an inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord. The severity of this communicable disease ranges from an almost unnoticed infection to fatal paralytic illness.

b. Cause of Poliomyelitis. The cause of this highly contagious disease is viral. Three distinct types of polio viruses are found worldwide. These viruses are spread from person to person by direct contact with infected oropharyngeal secretions or feces. These viruses attack the anterior horn of the spinal cord and the brain stem. In the 1940s and 50s, poliomyelitis attacked children and young adults most often. Today, the disease usually affects groups of people who have not been immunized.

c. Signs/Symptoms of Poliomyelitis. Signs and symptoms of the disease are restricted to either the spinal segment or the gray matter of the medulla oblongata of the brain. As such, they are called spinal or bulbar, respectively. The spinal form of the disease is most severe in one extremity, usually the lower extremity. The diaphragm and the intercostal muscles may be involved. The bulbar form of the disease commonly affects the respiratory muscles and requires prompt intensive care.

d. Treatment of Poliomyelitis. Treat the symptoms. Analgesics may be given to ease headache, back pain, and leg spasms. Morphine is NOT given because it suppresses the respiratory system, a system which the disease may slow down. Moist heat may be applied to reduce muscle spasms and pain.

e. Preventive Measures for Poliomyelitis. Preventive treatment is done by means of the Salk vaccine or the Sabin vaccine. The Salk vaccine consists of the killed virus while the Sabin vaccine uses attenuated (weakened) live viruses.