Poliomyelitis - A Deadly Virus

Poliomyelitis - A Deadly Virus

For the first time in 25 years a polio infection has been detected in Gaza. In an exclusive interview with RT, UNICEF's regional head says the wider Middle East is now at risk.

Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralyzed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized. Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age.