What you need to know about Polio

1. Polio is an infectious disease that can paralyse and even cause death.
2. Polio enters the body through water or food that has been contaminated with faeces.
3. Polio affects both children and adult, but children under 5 years of old are most at risk.
4. Signs and symptoms of Polio may include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, pain and weakness in the limbs.
5. Polio has no cure, it can only be prevented through immunization, good hygiene and sanitation practices.
6. Polio vaccine is given at birth or soon after birth and subsequent doses are given at:

• 6 Weeks (drops)
• 10 Weeks (drops)
• 14 Weeks (drops and injection)

7. Polio vaccine, given at multiple times can protect a child for life.
8. Polio vaccines are safe, effective and free.
9. In addition to immunization, you must also do the following;
10. Always wash your hands with soap under running water:

• After visiting the toilet or cleaning the baby’s buttocks
• Before eating or preparing food
• Before feeding your baby
• Before serving meals
• After playing
• After taking care of a sick person

11. Cover your food and water to avoid contamination
12. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating
13. Maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene
14. Do not defecate in the open, use toilet facilities such as pit latrines, KVIP or water closet if available
15. Clean toilet and surfaces contaminated with faeces with disinfectant or ash

 

 

 

Acknowledgement: KNUST School of Public Health, Ghana Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention