 A virus is an infectious, protein coated fragment of DNA or RNA (Bobick et. al., 2004).  Viruses replicate by invading host cells and they take over the cell’s “machinery” for DNA replication (Bobick et. Al., 2004).  Viruses include small pox, pertussis, yellow fever, chicken pox, HIV, measles, and polio.

 Polio can be transferred in multiple ways and some include: › Direct person-to-person contact (NCBI, 2012) › Contact with mucus or saliva from the nose or mouth (NCBI, 2012) › Contact with infected feces (NCBI, 2012)

 General discomfort  Headache  Red throat  Slight fever  Sore Throat  Vomiting (PubMed, 2013)  Paralysis

 Prevalence with polio has fallen over 99% since 1988 (PubMed, 2013)  Only 3 world countries are polio endemic worldwide (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria

 The polio vaccine which has prevented over 90% of the polio virus (PubMed, 2013)  Don’t associate with a polio carrier  Don’t have contact with feces, or the mucus of the infected individual

 Antibiotics for urinary tract infections  Moist heat to reduce muscle pains and spasms (PubMed, 2013)  Painkillers to reduce headache, pain, and spasms  Physical therapy, braces, corrective shoes, or orthopedic surgery to help recover muscle strength and function

 Over the past two decades, tremendous progress has been made toward the eradication of polio. (Bill Gates Foundation, 2012)  The polio virus was endemic in 125 countries and about 350,000 people, primarily young children, were annually paralyzed.

 Once polio is eradicated, the world can celebrate public good that will benefit all people everywhere in the world  Eradicating polio in the next five years would save at least $40–50 billion (WHO, 2012)

 BillGatesFoundation. (2012). Polio. [accessed 11 March 2013]. Retrieved from Development/Polio Development/Polio  Worldhealthorganization. (2012). Poliomyelitis. [accessed 11 March 2013]. Retrieved from  PubMed Health. (2013). Poliomyelitis. [accessed 11 March 2013]. Retrieved from  Bobick, J., Balban, N., Bobick, S., & Roberts, L. B. (2004). The Handy Biology Answer Book. Canton, MI: Visible Ink Press.