POLILMYELITIS

Question 1

Transmission of poliomyelitis

Answer 1

Faecal-oral
Oral-to-oral

Question 2

How many doses of polio vaccine are given in the immunisation schedule

Answer 2

Four doses

Question 3

VAPP is usually associated with which strain of polio virus

Answer 3

Polio virus type 2

Question 4

Causes of poliomyelitis

Answer 4

Poliovirus serotype 1, 2 and 3

Question 5

Symptoms of poliomyelitis

Answer 5

Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Muscle pain
Flaccid paralysis

Question 6

Signs of poliomyelitis

Answer 6

Acute flaccid paralysis of affected muscles
Diminished or absent muscle reflexes

Question 7

Investigations in poliomyelitis

Answer 7

Two fresh stool samples taken 24-48 hours apart (to be sent on ice to the Regional Public Health Reference Laboratory for confirmation)

Question 8

Treatment objectives in poliomyelitis

Answer 8

To provide supportive care till patient recovers from acute illness
To avoid or limit the extent of paralysis
To provide rehabilitation in paralytic cases

Question 9

Non-pharmacological interventions in poliomyelitis

Answer 9

Bed rest
Avoid injections during febrile illness in children (increases risk of paralytic poliomyelitis)
Physiotherapy
Provision of appropriate appliances to aid mobility