A80: Acute poliomyelitis

A80.9: Acute poliomyelitis, unspecified

Polio is caused by viruses. These viruses may occur sporadically in some countries in Africa and South Asia. You can catch it by coming into contact with the saliva or excretions of an infected person.

The polio may only produce mild symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, you may get headaches, fever or a sore throat, for example. You may also have the urge to vomit. Some people also suffer from inflammation of the cerebral membranes. On the outside of the brain and spinal cord there are three thin meninges (linings). A tough meninx, the dura mater, is on the outside. Below that are two soft meninges. Inflamed cerebral membranes can cause a stiff neck and bad headaches. The skin's feeling may also be disturbed and muscles may be palsied.