Ahead of World Polio Day on Monday, 24th October, it is important to have a basic understanding of polio and how health insurance comes into play in the treatment of polio.

Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened to polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. Nigeria is unfortunately one of the three countries in the world where polio is endemic— the other two being Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to the World Health Organization, Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under 5 years of age, and one in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

What is Polio?
Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, is a crippling and potentially fatal disease. It is spread through contact with contaminated food or water, or through contact with an infected person.

The virus attacks the nervous system, and can cause paralysis or even death.

Cause
Poliomyelitis is caused by infection with the poliovirus (PV). This group of RNA viruses colonize the gastrointestinal tract– specifically the oropharynx and the intestine. The incubation time (from the first signs and symptoms) ranges from three to 35 days, with a more common span of six to 20 days.

Symptoms
The symptoms of polio can vary from mild to severe. In most cases, the virus does not cause any symptoms at all. However, in some cases, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, and vomiting. In more severe cases, the virus can cause paralysis of the arms or legs. In very rare cases, the virus can lead to death.

Even children who seem to fully recover can develop new muscle pain, weakness, or paralysis as adults, 15 to 40 years later. This is called post-polio syndrome.

Why Health Insurance Is Important In The Treatment Of Polio
Although there is a vaccine for polio, there is no cure.

Therefore, the only way to treat polio is through intensive and expensive physiotherapy. This treatment must be started as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. The earlier the treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery.

In Nigeria, where polio is endemic, many families cannot afford the cost of treatment. This is where health insurance comes in. Health insurance can help cover the costs of treatment. Health insurance covers all or part of the associated treatments so that families don’t have to bear the burden alone.

Sign up for free on selfcare.rohealth.ng to have access to vaccines and treatments necessary to fight this infectious disease!!