Is poliomyelitis hereditary?
Disease description:
I have mild poliomyelitis and have recently discovered I’m two months pregnant. I’m concerned that it might be passed on to my child—can poliomyelitis be inherited?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Zhe
Polio is generally not hereditary. Medically, polio refers to poliomyelitis—a highly contagious acute disease typically caused by the poliovirus. Although it is not inherited, the acute phase of poliomyelitis is infectious and commonly spreads via respiratory droplets, the fecal-oral route, or airborne transmission. Additionally, children are particularly susceptible to infection through contact with contaminated food, water, or everyday objects.
