A80.1: Acute paralytic poliomyelitis, wild virus, imported

You have polio.

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.

You have developed a palsy as a result of the disease. With a palsy, you are no longer able to move the affected part of your body through muscular strength. Palsies may affect the muscles of the arms, legs and face, for example. But muscles required to talk, swallow or breathe can also be palsied. The skin's feeling may also be disturbed.