A80-A89: Viral infections of the central nervous system

A80: Acute poliomyelitis

Acute poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus primarily spreads through contact with infected feces, which can happen directly or indirectly via contaminated water or food. The virus enters the body through the mouth or nose, then travels to the intestines where it begins to multiply. From there, the poliovirus may enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, including the nervous system. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis. It's noteworthy that not everyone who is infected with poliovirus will become sick. Some people may only have minor symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs, while others might not show any symptoms at all. Depending on the severity and the system affected, acute poliomyelitis can range from minor illness to a more serious condition with muscle paralysis and in some cases, can be life-threatening due to respiratory muscle involvement.