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Introduction to Post Polio

Poliomyelitis (polio), an acute viral disease, affects the lower motor neurons and causes muscle paresis, paralysis and sometimes death. Though vaccines have now virtually eliminated acute paralytic poliomyelitis, approximately 16% to 40% of polio survivors experience a relapse of symptoms 30 to 40 years after the original onset (post-polio syndrome), with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, joint pain, and instability.

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This fact sheet was last updated on 03-02-2007.