Poliomyelitis - symptoms in children

Every mother experiences every time her baby gets sick, but unfortunately, a number of ailments are difficult to avoid. There are diseases that pose a serious threat to life and therefore one should know the information about them. Poliomyelitis is a viral disease most affected by preschool children. The disease is dangerous because of its consequences, so it can cause inflammatory processes in the mouth, intestines, but the most terrible complication is paralysis.

How is poliomyelitis transmitted in children?

The virus that causes the disease belongs to the genus Enterovirus, and its main source is a sick person or a virus carrier. The infection is transmitted by oral-fecal route. You can get infected through water, milk, food, hands, toys and other items. An airborne transmission path is also possible.

Also worth mentioning about the so-called vaccine-associated poliomyelitis (VAP). It can arise as a complication after vaccination with live vaccine (OPV). However, if the immunity of the child is not lowered, then such a problem should not arise. VAP can develop in the following cases:

• state of immunodeficiency (AIDS);
• In the child's body after the vaccination, a spontaneous mutation of the virus took place.

Here it is important to note that if the parents observe contraindications to the vaccine, the probability of contracting VAP is 1 case per 500 000 - 2 000 000 vaccinations.

You can also get infected from someone who has received a dose of OPV. This complication is a deficiency of a live vaccine. In this case, you should pay attention to the first signs of the disease and begin to treat it.

Some are interested in how you can get polio from a vaccinated child. After vaccination OPV children for a time spread the virus, which can cause VAP in the unvaccinated.

How does poliomyelitis manifest in children?

This disease is similar in its symptoms to a number of other diseases, which can confuse even an experienced doctor. In addition, the ailment has several manifestations, which also makes diagnosis difficult. The disease can be paralytic and non-paralytic.

The incubation period of poliomyelitis in children lasts about 12 days on average, but in some cases it can be reduced to 5 days or, alternatively, can last up to 35. At this time, the baby looks healthy, but can already infect people who are in contact with it (including and adults).

A nonparalytic form can be of several kinds. With the asymptomatic course, the disease does not manifest itself in any way, but the crumbs are contagious. The abortive form is characterized by such signs:

• temperature increase;
• catarrhal manifestations;
• sleep disorders, general condition;
• headache;
• intestinal manifestations, especially such symptoms of poliomyelitis are characteristic of children under one year and slightly older.

Usually after a few days the children are restored.

Meningeal form is characterized by signs of inflammation of the meninges, which is manifested by stiff neck muscles and vomiting. Also the kid complains of pains in the back, limbs. Usually after 2 weeks the illness passes.

Paralytic forms are distinguished by a complex current and also have their own types. Infectionists will find it difficult to recognize poliomyelitis in children at first signs.

With the spinal form, the disease begins with a high fever, a runny nose and a loose stool are possible. Then symptoms that are characteristic of meningitis and then signs of paralysis are added.

In other types of paralytic forms, manifestations are different, but for all of them a severe course is characteristic, there is a possibility of serious consequences.