Causes of Polio(Poliomyelitis)
Polio(Poliomyelitis) is caused by 1 of 3 types of the poliovirus. It usually spreads due to contact with infected feces. This often happens from poor hand washing. It can also happen from ingestion of contaminated food or water. It can also be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes infected droplets into the air. Those infected with the virus can excrete the virus in their stool for several weeks. People are most contagious immediately before the onset of symptoms and soon after they appear.

Who is at risk from polio?
Anyone who is not immunised against polio is at risk from contracting the disease, particularly if they travel to a country where people still have polio. These people could bring the virus back to Australia and potentially spread it to people who are not immunised. This is why it is important that Australia maintains high immunisation levels against polio.