Poliomyelitis is a life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. The condition is more commonly known as polio. Symptoms of polio are similar to influenza and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Stiffness in the back or neck
- Stiffness in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
Contrary to popular belief, polio does not always cause paralysis. Some people with the poliovirus don’t have any symptoms. However, in severe cases, the virus can cause nerve injury. When there is a nerve injury, it can lead to paralysis and even death.
In 1988, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution to eradicate polio around the world. Under this resolution, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched. The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the CDC spearheaded the initiative. Another organization that became involved in the initiative was Rotary International. Years later, Rotary International founded World Polio Day. The first event was held in the early 2000s. They chose October 24th to commemorate the birthdate of Jonas Salk. He led the first team to develop a vaccination against polio and began testing it in 1953.
Source: www.who.int
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