Wild Poliovirus Type 1 in Oman: A re-emerging threat that requires urgent, targeted and strategic preparedness

Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease, predominantly affecting children under five years old. The virus is transmitted from person-to-person and mainly spreads through the fecal-oral route. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system via the bloodstream, potentially causing paralysis. Polio symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and pain in the limbs. The disease causes permanent paralysis in one out of 200 infections. Currently, there is no cure for polio; it can only be prevented by immunisation.1