How long is polio contagious?

Poliomyelitis has a certain infectious period, usually from the beginning to the end of virus excretion after infection, which can be up to 3-6 weeks. It is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, and is most contagious in the first two weeks after infection. Good hygiene protection and vaccination are key preventive measures.

1. Poliomyelitis infection and infectious period

Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus, and patients may be able to spread the virus before and after the onset of the disease. The virus initially replicates in the throat and intestines, and is then excreted from the body through feces or respiratory secretions. Infected people usually have the virus in their feces within 24 hours of infection. The virus is most contagious in the first two weeks, and the excretion of the virus in the feces may continue for 3-6 weeks or even longer. During this period, especially when sanitary conditions are poor, the virus can easily be transmitted to others through hands, food, and drinking water. Some infected people may have no symptoms but are contagious.

2. How to reduce the risk of polio transmission

Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is key to reducing the risk of transmission. For example:

Develop the habit of washing hands before meals and after going to the toilet, especially for children.

Avoid drinking untreated water or eating food that may be contaminated.

In epidemic areas, avoid close contact with confirmed patients, such as sharing tableware, towels and other items.

Patients need to be isolated in time and their excrement, oral and nasal secretions need to be properly handled to prevent the spread of the virus. At the same time, medical institutions should also strictly follow infection prevention and control regulations.

3. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure

Vaccination is currently the most effective means of preventing polio. WHO recommends that all children be vaccinated with polio vaccines OPV or IPV according to the national immunization program. OPV oral vaccine can not only induce local immunity in the intestine to resist viral infection, but also provide indirect protection to unvaccinated people through "secondary transmission". IPV inactivated vaccine directly induces humoral immunity through injection, but has limited inhibitory effect on viruses in the intestine, so it is usually used in combination with oral vaccines.

To prevent the spread of polio, it is necessary to continue to strengthen vaccination coverage and public health system construction. At the same time, when suspected cases are found, isolation measures should be taken and the epidemic prevention department should be reported immediately. Parents should pay special attention to the progress of children's vaccinations. If there is a delay, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.