Poliomyelitis

Question 1

What is Poliomyelitis?

Answer 1

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a viral infection of the nervous system that can cause paralysis, particularly in children.

Question 2

What is the causative agent of Poliomyelitis?

Answer 2

Polio is caused by the Poliovirus.

Question 3

How does the Poliovirus enter the human body?

Answer 3

The virus enters the body through the oral-fecal route, often via contaminated water or food.

Question 4

What are the early symptoms of Poliomyelitis?

Answer 4

Early symptoms include pyrexia (fever), neck stiffness, and meningeal irritation.

Question 5

What is flaccid paralysis, and how does it relate to polio?

Answer 5

Flaccid paralysis is muscle weakness where the muscles become limp and unresponsive, a hallmark of poliomyelitis.

Question 6

What happens when the respiratory muscles are affected by Polio?

Answer 6

Paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to breathing difficulties, often requiring mechanical ventilation.

Question 7

What is the primary method of preventing Poliomyelitis?

Answer 7

Routine immunization of infants with the oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the primary preventive measure.

Question 8

Why are booster doses important in preventing polio?

Answer 8

Booster doses given before school entry ensure continued immunity against the poliovirus.

Question 9

What are some complications associated with Poliomyelitis?

Answer 9

Complications include myocarditis, pulmonary edema, shock, nosocomial infections, and muscle atrophy.

Question 10

What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of Poliomyelitis?

Answer 10

Physical therapy helps prevent long-term disability by maintaining muscle function and preventing atrophy in affected muscles.

Question 11

How is Poliomyelitis primarily spread?

Answer 11

Poliomyelitis spreads primarily through contaminated water or food in areas with poor sanitation.

Question 12

What age group is most commonly affected by Poliomyelitis?

Answer 12

Children under the age of 5 are most commonly affected.

Question 13

What is the global status of Poliomyelitis today?

Answer 13

Thanks to vaccination efforts, polio has been eradicated in most parts of the world but remains endemic in a few countries.

Question 14

What are the signs that poliomyelitis has progressed to affect the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 14

CNS involvement leads to neck stiffness, flaccid paralysis, and meningeal irritation

Question 15

What is the purpose of national immunization campaigns in countries like South Africa?

Answer 15

These campaigns aim to achieve herd immunity, stop the transmission of the virus, and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

Question 16

What is nosocomial infection, and why are Polio patients at risk?

Answer 16

A nosocomial infection is an infection acquired in a hospital, and polio patients are at risk due to immobility and weakened immune systems, particularly infections of the lungs or bladder.

Question 17

Why is mechanical ventilation necessary for some Poliomyelitis patients?

Answer 17

Mechanical ventilation is needed when the virus paralyzes the respiratory muscles, preventing the patient from breathing on their own.

Question 18

What type of paralysis is associated with severe Poliomyelitis?

Answer 18

Flaccid paralysis is associated with severe cases, where muscles become weak and limp.

Question 19

What are the primary goals of treatment for Poliomyelitis?

Answer 19

The main goal is supportive care to maintain vital functions, including respiratory support and preventing complications like muscle atrophy.

Question 20

What is fasciculation, and how does it relate to Poliomyelitis?

Answer 20

Fasciculation refers to involuntary muscle twitching, often seen in muscles affected by poliovirus-induced paralysis.

Question 21

Why is polio called “infantile paralysis”?

Answer 21

It is often referred to as infantile paralysis because it primarily affects children and can result in permanent paralysis.

Question 22

What are the different types of Poliovirus?

Answer 22

There are three types of Poliovirus: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 1 is the most common cause of outbreaks.

Question 23

How does Poliomyelitis affect the urinary bladder?

Answer 23

Poliomyelitis can cause bladder dysfunction, leading to urinary retention or incontinence.

Question 24

What are the main public health strategies to eradicate Polio globally?

Answer 24

Strategies include mass immunization campaigns, surveillance for polio cases, and rapid response to outbreaks.

Question 25

What are some signs of meningeal irritation in Poliomyelitis?

Answer 25

Signs include headache, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).