Polio

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a potentially paralysing viral infection that is preventable through vaccination. The virus is transmitted via food or water contaminated with infected human faeces or through direct contact with an infectious individual. While polio is extremely rare among UK travellers, with the last imported case reported in 1993, certain groups face a higher risk. These include individuals visiting friends and relatives in polio-endemic areas, long-stay travellers, and those exposed to poor sanitation. Historically, polio was a significant global health threat, paralysing thousands daily, but efforts such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have drastically reduced cases by over 99%. Today, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the last two countries where polio is endemic, though other regions occasionally report imported cases, highlighting the importance of ongoing prevention.

Symptoms

The majority of people infected with the polio virus (about 95%) do not exhibit any symptoms, making the disease difficult to detect in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they range from mild fever and fatigue to more severe conditions such as meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining) or paralysis. Paralysis affects less than 1% of those infected but can lead to long-term or permanent disability. Severe cases may also impact breathing muscles, requiring urgent medical intervention. Early diagnosis and vaccination remain crucial for preventing the spread of polio and protecting individuals at risk of severe complications.

Vaccination

The polio vaccine is the cornerstone of polio prevention, offering safe and effective protection against the virus. The UK routine immunisation schedule includes a minimum of five doses of a polio-containing vaccine, starting from two months of age. For unvaccinated individuals aged 10 and above, a three-dose vaccination course is available. A booster dose is recommended for travellers to regions where wild polio cases have been reported, especially if their last dose was administered 10 or more years ago.

Since 2004, the UK has exclusively used the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in its routine vaccination programme, replacing the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to further reduce the risk of vaccine-derived cases. For most individuals, five doses of the polio vaccine provide long-term protection, often considered lifelong in the UK. However, international travellers to high-risk areas are advised to maintain up-to-date vaccinations as part of their travel preparations to prevent polio’s resurgence.

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