Polio or Poliomyelitis is a communicable disease caused by a virus that lives in throat and intestinal tract. Poliovirus attacks the nervous system and in some cases can paralyze the victim instantly. There are three types of poliovirus: Type 1 (PV1) or Mahoney; Type 2 (PV2) or Lansing; and Type 3(PV3) or Leon. It is usually transmitted through person to person contact with the faeces or oral/nasal secretions of an infected person. Therefore, it spreads rapidly especially in those communities that are living in very poor hygienic and sanitation conditions. People of all ages can get infected by the Polio; however children under five years of age are the most likely to be infected by the virus.

Online Electronic Version

The State of Polio in OIC Member Countries (English)