Polio

Poliomyelitis

Polio occurs when the polio virus enters through the mouth and replicates in the pharynx, GI tract, and local lymphatics which leads to a viral spread along nerve fibers and eventual destruction of motor neurons causing paralysis.

Additional Info Group

General Information

Additional Resources

For Health Professionals

This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category I disease:

Report IMMEDIATELY by TELEPHONE to the patient's local health department upon identification of a confirmed or suspected case. The local health department shall then notify the state epidemiologist immediately of any confirmed or suspected cases. Within 24 hours, submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F-44151 (Word), or by other means.
DHS Communicable Disease Reporting

Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines:

Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01977 Polio virus infection (PDF)
ACIP recommendations

Last Revised: September 12, 2019