Is poliomyelitis transmitted via airborne and droplet transmission?
Disease description:
I heard elderly family members talk about how, when they were young, many children suffered from poliomyelitis. Due to poor medical conditions, a lot of them were left with lasting complications. I'd like to know—how easily is polio transmitted? Is poliomyelitis spread through the air and respiratory droplets?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Polio is mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. The poliovirus enters the human body through the mouth, often via contaminated food, water, or toys, and then multiplies in the intestinal tract. Infected individuals may develop symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, and limb pain. If not treated promptly, the disease can lead to paralysis, including limb paralysis and cranial nerve paralysis.
