Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Polio: What are the symptoms?

Most people who get polio do not experience symptoms

Rebecca Thomas
Health Correspondent
Friday 24 June 2022 13:53 BST
Comments
Polio has been found in sewage samples in London
Polio has been found in sewage samples in London (Getty/iStock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said polio has been identified in sewage samples taken from London between February and May 2022.

The agency said it is “likely” that the virus has been spreading between “closely-linked” individuals in North-East London, and an investigation has been launched to establish if any community transmission is occurring.

Thanks to extensive vaccination efforts throughout the globe, the disease has been largely eliminated. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is still classified as endemic.

What type of polio has been found?

Analysis shows that the virus picked up by UKHSA isn’t ‘wild type’ polio. Instead, it’s a version of the virus that derives from the live oral polio vaccine (OPV).

This vaccine generates gut immunity and for several weeks after vaccination, people can shed the vaccine-virus in their faeces.

These vaccine viruses can then spread in under-vaccinated communities from person to person through poor hand hygiene and water and food contamination. Coughing and sneezing, though less common, is another route of transmission.

What are symptoms of polio?

According to the NHS most people who get polio do not have symptoms.

However, some may get mild flu-like symptoms lasting ten days, such as:

  • a high temperature
  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • headaches
  • being sick (vomiting)
  • a stiff neck
  • muscle pain

In rare cases polio can cause temporary difficulty using muscles, typically in the legs. This can happen over hours or days.

Long term complications of polio can include paralysis and some my need long term treatment for muscle weakness, joint problems or swallowing difficulties.

Treatments for polio include:

  • bed rest in hospital
  • painkillers
  • help with breathing
  • regular stretches and exercises to prevent problems with your muscles and joint

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in