Polio

Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease caused by poliovirus, a member of the *Picornaviridae* family. Transmission occurs primarily through the fecal-oral route, often involving contaminated water or food. While mild or asymptomatic infections are common, the virus can affect the central nervous system, leading to flaccid paralysis due to the destruction of motor neurons. Historically, the disease posed a significant public health threat, particularly to children. Development and implementation of vaccines have led to a massive global reduction in incidence, making the disease virtually eliminated from many regions, though sporadic cases still occur globally.